Welcoming a baby should be one of life’s happiest moments. For some parents, that joy is overshadowed by medical complications that no family should have to face. One of the hidden risks during pregnancy is maternal infection. While many infections can be treated successfully when doctors act quickly, untreated or mismanaged infections can lead to serious birth injuries that may affect a child for life.

Understanding how these injuries happen and what legal options are available can empower parents to take action. If you believe your child’s condition may be tied to a maternal infection, Latona Law offers free legal consultations to help families get answers and explore their options.

What Parents Need to Know About Maternal Infections

Maternal infections are more common than most people realize, and not all of them cause harm. The concern begins when infections go undiagnosed or untreated. During pregnancy, infections can spread to the baby or cause complications during labor.

Some of the most common infections linked to birth injuries include:

• Group B Streptococcus (GBS): A bacterial infection that is often preventable with routine testing late in pregnancy. Without treatment, it can pass to the baby during delivery and cause sepsis or pneumonia.
  
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): When left untreated, UTIs can progress into kidney infections and increase the risk of preterm labor.
  
• Chorioamnionitis: An infection of the placenta and amniotic fluid that can cause oxygen deprivation and raise the likelihood of cerebral palsy.
  
• Cytomegalovirus (CMV): A viral infection that may cause hearing loss, vision problems, or developmental delays.
  
• Listeria: A foodborne infection that can cause premature birth or brain damage in newborns.
  

The medical community has well-established protocols for identifying and treating these conditions. When providers fail to follow them, children may face preventable injuries with lifelong consequences.

How Infections Lead to Birth Injuries

The path from infection to injury can happen in several ways. Sometimes the infection directly affects the baby, such as a bacterial infection leading to sepsis. Other times the infection triggers premature labor, oxygen deprivation, or inflammation that damages the developing brain.

Some of the most serious conditions connected to maternal infections include:

• Cerebral Palsy: Often linked to oxygen deprivation or inflammation caused by infection.
  
• Hearing and Vision Loss: Viral infections like CMV may damage critical sensory systems.
  
• Developmental Delays and Learning Disabilities: Brain damage resulting from untreated infections can impact long-term growth.
  
• Breathing Problems or Seizures in Newborns: Signs that an infant may have been exposed to infection during delivery.
  

The tragedy is that many of these outcomes are preventable with proper screening and timely care. When providers overlook warning signs or delay treatment, the results can alter a child’s future.

Recognizing Negligence in Maternal Infection Cases

Doctors and nurses have a responsibility to protect both mother and child throughout pregnancy and delivery. That includes screening for common infections, responding to maternal symptoms, and administering antibiotics or antiviral treatments when necessary.

Medical negligence may occur if:

• A provider fails to test for conditions like Group B Streptococcus.
  
• A mother’s symptoms are dismissed or ignored.
  
• Treatment is delayed during labor despite clear signs of infection.
  
• Hospital staff fail to monitor the baby after birth for complications related to infection.
  

Not every infection that leads to complications is the result of negligence. However, when medical professionals fail to follow accepted standards of care, families may have the right to pursue a malpractice claim. These claims are not only about holding providers accountable but also about securing financial resources for ongoing medical care, therapy, and the child’s quality of life.

Legal Help for Families Affected by Birth Injuries

For parents, the aftermath of a birth injury can feel overwhelming. Beyond the emotional toll, there are practical concerns such as medical bills, therapy costs, and the need for long-term support. A birth injury attorney can review medical records, consult with independent experts, and determine whether malpractice played a role.

Latona Law has extensive experience helping families navigate complex birth injury cases. Our approach is compassionate and focused on ensuring that families receive both answers and justice. We work to secure compensation that covers medical expenses, future care needs, and the emotional impact on the entire family.

Taking the Next Step for Your Family

Maternal infections should never be underestimated, especially when the health of a newborn is at stake. While some infections are unavoidable, medical professionals have a duty to test, diagnose, and treat them in a timely manner. When they fail to meet that responsibility, the consequences can be life changing for both parent and child.

Parents deserve answers and support. If your family has been impacted by a birth injury related to a maternal infection, reach out to Latona Law today for a free legal consultation. We are here to listen, to guide you through your options, and to help you fight for the future your child deserves.