Most mothers deliver a baby after about 39 to 40 weeks of pregnancy. Premature birth occurs when a baby is born before 37 weeks. About 380,000 babies each year—or just under 10 percent of all babies—are born prematurely. When a baby is born preterm, the likelihood of a birth injury significantly increases. 

Premature birth is a sign that something went wrong during the pregnancy. However, it is not always easy to determine the reason for premature birth. The following are all risk factors in the mother that increase the chances of a baby being born prematurely:

• Being underweight or overweight before getting pregnant.
• Conceiving through in vitro fertilization.
• Diabetes.
• Having a previous premature birth.
• High blood pressure.
• Infections.
• Multiple miscarriages or abortions.
• Physical injury or trauma.
• Pregnancies that occur within six months of another child’s birth.
• Pregnancies with twins, triplets, or other multiples.
• Problems with the uterus, cervix, or placenta.
• Smoking cigarettes or using illegal drugs.
• Stress.

Premature babies are also at risk of injury because their organs have not had time to develop fully, which can lead to a wide range of problems. 

Some birth injuries are apparent either immediately after birth or shortly afterward. These include:

• Brain problems.
• Breathing problems.
• GI problems.
• Heart problems.
• Immune system problems.
• Metabolism problems.
• Temperature control problems.

Other times, babies are born with no noticeable issues but later experience symptoms of a birth injury. These include:

• Behavioral problems.
• Cerebral palsy.
• Chronic health conditions, such as asthma.
• Cognitive development issues.
• Dental problems.
• Hearing problems.
• Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
• Vision problems.

Contact the dedicated Michigan birth injury lawyers at Sommers Schwartz, P.C., for immediate assistance if your child was diagnosed with cerebral palsy or born with a serious birth injury. Our medical malpractice birth injury attorneys have a nationwide reputation for excellence and are steadfastly committed to advancing our clients’ interests at every possible opportunity. We also offer free consultations and can be reached at https://www.sommerspc.com/.