Birth injuries occur to many babies in New Mexico and elsewhere. Sadly, some of these injuries are avoidable with the right type of screening. You should know about certain tests that can be done throughout your pregnancy to detect or even prevent birth injuries.
When is an ultrasound necessary during pregnancy?
Some birth injury risks can be detected through an ultrasound. In a healthy, low risk pregnancy, there may be only one ultrasound performed to determine the stage of pregnancy and how many babies the mother is carrying. However, women who have higher-risk pregnancies are usually given multiple ultrasounds to detect potential problems with their babies.
What testing can be done during the first and second trimesters?
Some testing can be done as early as the first or second trimester to detect possible birth injuries. These tests can check for chromosomal abnormalities that might indicate your baby has a defect or genetic disorder. Conditions such as Down syndrome can be detected in the chorionic villus sampling or CVS test. This test is done when tissue is taken from the placenta and tested at a lab.
An amniocentesis test can also check for Down syndrome and spina bifida. The doctor inserts a needle into the amniotic sac through your stomach where fluid is taken for testing.
When is there a higher risk of birth injuries?
Birth injuries are more likely to occur if the mother gives birth before her 37th week of pregnancy. Babies born at that time are considered premature. Injuries can also happen if the baby is larger than 8 pounds and 13 ounces as their birth might require the use of assistive devices such as forceps or vacuum extraction. When a baby is born in an abnormal position, it can also result in birth injuries and medical malpractice if the doctor does not do their best to address the problem.
Birth injuries can range from mild to serious. However, with certain tests available, you might be able to detect and even prevent them from happening to your child.
