Examples of Medical Negligence After the Birthing Process

 Posted on March 18, 2026 in Birth Injury

Labor and childbirth come with a variety of possible risks of injury to the mother and child. In some cases, the risk of injury or health complications may still be present after the birth is complete. Doctors and other healthcare professionals are responsible for keeping a close eye on new mothers and babies to provide any necessary care and treatment. However, these professionals sometimes make mistakes, and unfortunately, medical negligence can have long-lasting consequences.

At Birth Injury Law Alliance, Ltd., our Chicago, IL birth injury lawyers can help you identify negligence on the part of a hospital. With decades of combined experience, our attorneys are highly qualified to assist with your case.

Are Hospitals Liable for Birth Injuries Caused by Negligence in Illinois?

If you or your child has suffered a postpartum injury while in the care of a doctor or another health professional, you may be able to obtain compensation through a medical malpractice claim (735 ILCS 5/2-622).

These cases can be extremely complicated. You will need substantial evidence of negligence to have a chance of succeeding, including testimony from medical experts. An attorney can help you understand your options and determine the best course of action.

Four Medical Errors After Birth That Can Lead to Injury

It’s common for a mother or newborn to experience some health complications after childbirth. This is especially true if the baby was born prematurely or there were difficulties during the birth. In many cases, healthcare providers are able to attend to these complications and ensure that the mother and child are back to full health before leaving the hospital. However, it is also possible for a care provider to cause or contribute to further complications through one of the following errors.

Misdiagnosis

If a doctor fails to recognize the signs and accurately diagnose these complications as they arise, a mother or child may be at risk of permanent harm. Common health complications in the days after childbirth include oxygen deficits, infections, neonatal strokes, and postpartum hemorrhage.

Sometimes the warning signs are easy to miss. A baby may seem too sleepy, have trouble eating, or breathe in an unusual way. A mother may complain of heavy bleeding, severe pain, dizziness, or weakness. These signs should not be brushed aside. If a doctor or nurse fails to take them seriously, the condition may get worse before anyone acts.

When providers do not look closely at symptoms or order the right tests, the results can be devastating. A baby with an untreated infection may become very ill in a short time. A baby who does not get enough oxygen may suffer brain damage. A mother with severe bleeding may go into shock if treatment is delayed.

Failure To Provide Prompt Treatment 

Missed or delayed diagnoses can also mean costly delays in treatment and care. Staffing problems at a hospital could also lead to a situation in which no one is available to provide immediate attention to a mother or child in need.

The hours and days after delivery are critical. A mother may develop heavy bleeding or infection. A newborn may have trouble breathing, feeding, or maintaining body temperature. These issues require quick intervention.

Even a short delay can matter. Hospitals should have systems in place to respond to emergencies. When those systems fail, families can pay the price.

Sometimes, the delay happens because test results are not reviewed quickly. Sometimes, a nurse does not tell a doctor about a serious change. In other cases, a provider may assume the problem is minor and choose to wait. Waiting too long can turn a treatable condition into a tragic one.

Medication Errors 

A doctor may prescribe anesthesia or other medication for the treatment of postpartum conditions. When medication is administered improperly or an incorrect dosage is given, further injuries are possible.

Newborns are especially fragile. Even a small dosing mistake can be serious. A medication error may cause breathing problems, seizures, organ damage, or other complications. Mothers can also be harmed by the wrong medicine. Pain medicine, anesthesia, and drugs used after surgery must all be handled with care.

These errors are often preventable. Providers should check the patient’s chart, confirm the dosage, and make sure the correct medication is being used. When they skip these steps, the consequences can be severe.

Surgical Errors

In some serious cases, it may be necessary for a doctor to perform surgery on the mother or newborn shortly after birth. This means a possible risk of surgical errors and ensuing injuries. These are serious procedures that require skill, planning, and close attention.

Surgical errors can take many forms. A doctor may damage nearby tissue or organs. A tool may be left behind. A patient may not be watched closely enough during or after the procedure. Infections can also happen if proper safety steps are not followed.

What Evidence Should I Document for a 2026 Birth Injury Claim?

If you believe a medical error caused harm to your child or to you after birth, it is important to start gathering evidence as soon as possible. Medical records are often the most important part of a birth injury claim. These records can show what care was given, what symptoms were reported, and how quickly providers responded.

Hospital records may include doctor notes, nurse logs, medication charts, and test results. These details can help show whether a provider missed warning signs or failed to act in time. It is also helpful to keep your own records. Write down what you remember about the events. Include dates, times, and the names of any doctors or nurses involved.

Then, contact a legal team with experience. Medical malpractice cases are among the most challenging to prove. The right attorney is an invaluable asset for your claim.

Contact a Cook County, IL Birth Injury Attorney

The attorneys at Birth Injury Law Alliance, Ltd. understand how difficult it is for families to cope with the effects of injuries that occur during and after childbirth. Attorney Allen Schwartz has a history of multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements on behalf of children who suffer from birth injuries. He fights for families impacted by the loss of a parent or child.

We strive to help you manage the challenges you are facing, including by representing you in a claim of medical negligence if necessary. To schedule a free initial consultation, contact our Chicago, IL neonatal injury lawyers today by calling 312-462-4200.