Factors Impacting Maternal Health During Hospital Births

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In a recent study published in Risk Analysis, researchers analyzed over two million births between 2005 and 2010 to determine whether certain factors impacted maternal health during hospital births. The study focused on delivery complications that were within the control of the hospital staff such as severe perineal laceration, ruptured uterus, unplanned hysterectomy, admission to an intensive care unit, or unplanned operating procedure after delivery. More than 21,000 women suffered one or more of these complications.

The researchers found that compared to daytime deliveries on weekdays, the risk for these complications was 21 percent higher during night shifts, 9 percent higher during weekend shifts, and 29 percent higher on holiday shifts when hospitals are understaffed and less experienced doctors are more likely to be working. Furthermore, there was an increased risk of 28 percent at teaching hospitals when new residents begin their residency. The study concluded that hospitals can meaningfully reduce these risks to maternal health through strategic staffing.

These findings are unacceptable, especially in light of the rising rate of maternal harm during delivery in the United States. Hospitals must be held accountable for these injuries. The attorneys at Abramson, Brown & Dugan have vast experience handling medical malpractice cases involving maternal injuries during delivery and birth injury cases. If you or a loved one has been harmed as a result of medical malpractice, contact one of our experienced attorneys today.

Eva Bleich
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