A study conducted by the University of Michigan posed the question should delivery be treated as the athletic event? Specifically, should doctors use techniques traditionally reserved for athletic injuries to diagnose and treat injuries sustained during the birthing process? The study authors assert that childbirth is one of the most traumatic events any human body can undergo. Up to 15 percent, women suffer pelvic injuries that fail to heal.
The researchers found that using an MRI, traditionally employed in sports medicine, is logical because childbirth is as traumatic as many endurance sports. Many doctors will cut mothers loose after six weeks when some women can take up to eight months or longer to heal from childbirth.
To study this issue, the researchers observed several women in MRIs. The images revealed many revelations. The MRIs showed fluid in the pubic bone marrow or fractures to the pubic bone in 25 percent of women. Moreover, there was excess fluid in the muscles for 66 percent of patients, which is indicative of severe muscle strain. Finally, 41 percent sustained pelvic muscle tears with the tissue partially or fully detaching from the pelvic bone.
The goal of the study was to convince doctors that women require individualized care while they heal from the birthing process. The point of the study is to emphasize that if a woman tells her doctor that she feels discomfort, it merits further investigation to confirm nothing serious occurred.
Injuries during the birthing process are expected, and your doctor should prepare you for them. But that does not permit the doctor to ignore her duties as a healer and to safeguard your health and the health of your child as much as possible. If you or your child were injured during the birthing process, then you may want to speak to an attorney to review your rights. You could have an actionable claim for injuries. You shouldn’t have to pay additional funds for injuries you suffered due to a doctor’s negligence; a lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve.
