Syracuse New York OBGYN Fatigue Leads To Labor And Delivery Mistakes

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, all Central New York OBGYNs should closely review the nature of their practice and consider whether their patient load, hours worked and other time commitments are causing fatigue-related birth injuries.

A recent study suggests that most OBGYNs practicing in Upstate New York hospitals do not sleep enough. The most sleep deprived include residents and specialists on call, such as neonatologists. Without at least five hours of sleep, a doctor’s speech, numerical skills, memory and concentration decline. Missing faculties can leading to medical mistakes. Doctors awake more than 19 hours performed worse on tests than individuals with a blood alcohol content of 0.05. The legal limit for drunk driving in most U.S. states is 0.08.

During a labor and delivery, minutes and even seconds matter to a baby that may not be receiving appropriate blood flow and, in turn, may be suffering from brain damage due to a lack of oxygen. After just a few minutes of low oxygen levels, a fetus may develop cerebral palsy. Because delay caused by doctor fatigue and sleep deprivation could result in permanent injury to a baby, ACOG recommends that OBGYNS follow good sleep habits, sleep immediately after long shifts, make arrangements for a backup, nap, and avoid working between 2 a.m. and 9 a.m.

The trial lawyers at Bottar Law, PLLC, have decades of experience investigating, prosecuting and trying to verdict all types of medical malpractice cases, including those involving medical mistakes made by tired nurses and physicians. If you or your baby were injured due to an error made by a sleep deprived medical resident, you and/or your family may be entitled to compensation for lifelong health care, medical expenses, medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering.

To discuss your case or concerns with an experienced Central New York medical malpractice lawyer, contact Bottar Law, PLLC now at (315) 422-3466, (800) 336-LAWS, or by e-mail at info@bottarleone.com.