For many expectant mothers, the day of delivery is an incredibly exciting time. Many families try to plan the day they will give birth, but for some, plans change at the last minute, and children are born early or later than anticipated. It’s important for expectant parents to understand what risks may be associated with different days of the week.
At first thought, delivering your baby on the weekend might seem more convenient than a weekday; however, expectant mothers should be wary of “the weekend effect.” With fewer staff members on hand, in the event something goes wrong, you and your child could be at increased risk of harm. Our experienced birth injury lawyers discuss what you need to know to protect yourself from this phenomenon.
What Is the Weekend Effect?
The weekend effect is a scientifically acknowledged phenomenon describing the reduced quality of care offered at a healthcare facility on the weekends. Hospitals and other medical facilities frequently deny that a lower standard of care occurs on Saturdays and Sundays. Yet, the reality is there are significant factors that can make the weekend shift a riskier time for new parents, including:
- Many obstetricians do not work on weekends: When the obstetrician (OB) is only on-call, they may not arrive until it’s almost time for delivery or when a problem is happening. Unfortunately, this leaves patients at risk for injury if an immediate medical emergency arises.
- Staff are fatigued from overwork: The first year of training for doctors is known as their residency, and they often work 24-hour shifts. Studies have shown that these practitioners have a higher risk of medical errors since lack of sleep affects the brain nearly as much as alcohol use.
- Staff wait too long to call the attending doctor: Residents and nurses can sometimes be reluctant to reach out to the on-call obstetricians, which can lead to an increased risk of injury to the patient.
- Weekend healthcare providers are often part-timers: Although data shows that people who come to the hospital on weekends are often sicker because they have waited to get help, hospitals are more likely to put part-time and less experienced staff on the schedule.
Clinical Evidence for the Weekend Effect and Childbirth
According to one study, women who delivered their babies on the weekends were treated with a lower standard of care, which caused an increase in the rates of infant mortality and injury to newborns. Mothers were also more likely to suffer infections from the delivery.
Labor and Delivery Are Inherently Risky
The process of giving birth is complex and painful, putting parent and child at risk of harm throughout the delivery. Even in a smooth and unremarkable birth, there is still a chance of injury in the time immediately afterward if proper care is unavailable. First-time parents often have longer labors, meaning more opportunities for something to go wrong.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 800 women died every day in the most recent reporting year from issues that arose during pregnancy or delivery. For every parent who passed away, approximately 25 experienced disability, injury, or infection from problems that occurred during the childbirth process.
The child is also at higher risk of injury, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As many as 20,000 babies do not survive labor and delivery, usually from preventable causes. Losing a child or parent at what should be a happy time of life can be overwhelming, leaving the survivors wondering what happened and what to do to make it right.
Common Birth Injuries
In the process of evolving over thousands of years to walk upright, we have also caused the birth process to be more dangerous. The infant must turn its head, navigating a small and curved birth canal while avoiding entanglement with the umbilical cord. The risk of injury is already high, and any misstep by caregivers before, during, or after the delivery can make things worse.
The parent and child are susceptible to situations such as severe bleeding, very high or very low blood pressure, or injury by medical equipment. Natural births can be complicated, and if the doctor decides a Cesarean procedure is needed, there is additional risk of harm from the surgery. If the labor is extended, the baby may suffer oxygen deprivation, leading to a number of potential birth injuries, such as:
Cerebral Palsy (CP)
The most common birth injury is Cerebral Palsy, resulting from insufficient oxygen getting to the infant’s brain during delivery, leading to brain damage. The term means “brain impairment” and refers to the physical and cognitive symptoms the child may exhibit.
While each individual has a unique expression of the injury, typical signs include an inability to lift the head, move, speak, or reach other developmental milestones. Children with CP often show stiffness in their joints and muscles, uncontrolled arm and leg movement, and difficulties eating and forming words.
Brachial Plexus Injuries
Brachial plexus, also known as neonatal brachial plexus palsy (BPP), involves injuries sustained to the child’s arms and hands during delivery. When a medical practitioner exerts too much force in bringing the baby out of the birth canal, it can damage the brachial plexus nerve group. In addition to causing swelling and bruising, the child may suffer numbness and an inability to move the arms, shoulders, and hands.
Children who suffer this birth injury may need substantial rehabilitative treatment or surgery to restore feeling and motor control. In some instances, the damage is permanent, and they will require lifelong medical and vocational support.
Injury During an Assisted Delivery
Although it is rarer in modern deliveries, there are still situations when a doctor may elect to use forceps or a vacuum to aid in bringing the child into the world. Both methods carry a substantial risk of harm for both parent and child. If too much force is used and / or mistakes are made with these tools, the child could suffer catastrophic head injuries or die. Those who survive are often left incapacitated and in need of lifelong medical and educational support.
Lack of Follow-Up Care
Once the delivery is completed and you are recovering, there is a risk of harm if providers don’t follow procedures for check-ups on you and the child. Babies who are sent to the NICU need special attention to avoid any lingering effects of jaundice, low oxygen, or prolonged labor.
What Can You Do About the Weekend Effect?
While there can be a greater risk of harm if you go into labor on the weekend, there are a number of steps you can take to protect yourself and your child. These include:
- Ask staff to call your doctor right away: It’s crucial that you inform the hospital staff to call your obstetrician as soon as you arrive. This ensures you are under the care of an experienced doctor and less likely to experience a lower standard of care.
- Ask questions: In addition, do not be afraid to ask questions or inform the staff if you are experiencing pain or discomfort.
- Have someone with you: While the other parent is likely there, it’s helpful to have someone who isn’t as personally invested in the birth process. They can watch for potential problems and point out anything the parents may have missed.
- Speak up: The mix of emotions, changes, and activities during the labor and delivery process can be distracting, but it’s crucial that one or both parents always speak up if they feel something isn’t right.
- Take notes of your concerns: If something happened that caused injury to you or your child, make a note of it right away. You can write it down or record a video on your phone. In the event you need to file a claim later, your birth injury lawyer can use your recollection as evidence.
Lawyers for Birth Injuries in Philadelphia
At Lopez McHugh, LLP, we understand the happiness, fears, and stress that having a child can bring into your life. Our accomplished birth injury attorneys have the background and knowledge to assess your case and identify potential medical errors that could have led to your injury or your child’s. We provide compassionate legal representation for families who are unsure where to turn for help.
We have over 50 years of combined experience handling medical malpractice, misdiagnosis, and birth injury claims for clients just like you. Let us evaluate your situation during a free consultation and explain your options for seeking compensation and justice. When handled correctly, your birth injury claim compensation should help you take care of your injured child for life. Contact us to arrange your 100% no-cost case evaluation today.