Page 5 - OB Risks - Delivering the Goods (Part Two)

SVMIC Obstetrics Risks: Delivering the Goods

PART TWO

In Part One, we discussed the primary factors that from a legal

standpoint make an obstetric case either difficult to defend or
indefensible. In Part Two, we will examine some of the most

common medical conditions that obstetricians encounter and
identify the risks that can lead to claims and lawsuits.

Where possible, we will provide suggestions to mitigate that
risk based upon published literature and recognized resources

to help you avoid such a claim or lawsuit. However, this
information is not to be construed as recommending how

to practice medicine nor is it intended to establish the
standard of care.

In our society today, people expect that due to medical

advances, sophisticated equipment, and well-trained healthcare
obstetrical providers, every pregnancy and delivery results in

a healthy, happy mother and baby. Despite these advances,
physical and mental injuries may still occur.

On January 30, 2020, the government released new data on the
maternal mortality rate, and the Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention’s (CDC) National Vital Statistics System revealed
that the 2018 maternal mortality rate was 17.4 maternal deaths

per 100,000 live births. The data the CDC released included
maternal deaths during pregnancy, at birth, or within 42 days of

birth. Plainly stated, in 2018, 658 women lost their lives during
1
pregnancy, at birth, or within 42 days of birth. The maternal

mortality rate increased with older women, as women over the
age of 40 and older died at a rate of 81.9 per 100,000 births,

1 https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/maternal-mortality/index.htm

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