Medication Errors in Labor and Delivery

When a Preventable Drug Mistake Causes Birth Injury or Death

Labor and delivery is one of the most high-risk environments in medicine.

A single medication error—whether involving oxytocin, anesthesia, magnesium sulfate, or pain medication—can deprive a baby of oxygen, cause permanent brain injury, or result in the death of a mother or child.

These cases are often preventable.

Girards Law represents families affected by medication errors during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and neonatal care, including cases involving:

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Two Patients. No Margin for Error.

Unlike most medical settings, labor and delivery involves two patients at the same time—the mother and the baby.

Medication errors can:

  • Reduce oxygen supply to the baby
  • Cause uterine hyperstimulation
  • Depress maternal respiration
  • Lead to delayed emergency intervention

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and patient safety organizations recognize that medication-related errors in obstetrics are among the most dangerous due to the rapid and irreversible consequences of oxygen deprivation.

Drugs Most Commonly Associated With Catastrophic Outcomes

Certain medications are known as “high-alert medications” because small errors can cause severe harm.

1. Oxytocin (Pitocin)

Used to induce or augment labor.

Risks of Error:

2. Magnesium Sulfate

Used for preeclampsia and seizure prevention.

Risks of Error:

  • Respiratory depression
  • Cardiac complications
  • Toxicity if improperly monitored

3. Epidural and Anesthesia Medications

Used for pain control or surgical procedures.

Risks of Error:

  • Incorrect placement or dosing
  • Maternal hypotension
  • Reduced oxygen delivery to the fetus

4. Opioids and Sedatives

Used for pain relief.

Risks of Error:

  • Respiratory suppression
  • Decreased fetal oxygenation
  • Neonatal depression

5. Antibiotics and Other Medications

Errors in timing, dosing, or selection can lead to:

  • Infection complications
  • Neonatal injury
  • Maternal harm

How These Mistakes Happen

Medication errors in obstetrics typically involve:

Wrong Dose

Too much or too little medication administered.

Wrong Rate of Infusion

Common with oxytocin—infusion pumps may be set incorrectly.

Wrong Medication

Confusion between drugs with similar names or packaging.

Failure to Monitor

Failure to track:

  • Fetal heart rate
  • Maternal vital signs
  • Drug effects

Communication Failures

Breakdowns between:

  • Nurses
  • Physicians
  • Anesthesia providers

Delayed Response to Complications

Failure to act when warning signs appear.

The Link Between Drug Errors and Brain Injury

The most serious injuries occur when medication errors lead to oxygen deprivation (hypoxia).

This can result in:

The Impact Can Be Lifelong

Medication errors in labor and delivery can cause:

For the Child:

  • Brain injury
  • Seizures
  • Motor impairment
  • Cognitive delays

For the Mother:

  • Hemorrhage
  • Respiratory complications
  • Organ damage
  • Death

In Severe Cases:

Established Safety Protocols Exist

Medical authorities emphasize:

  • Standardized dosing protocols
  • Infusion pump safeguards
  • Continuous fetal monitoring
  • Clear communication procedures

When these safeguards are not followed, errors can occur.

Not Every Outcome Is Negligence—But Many Errors Are

A medication error may constitute malpractice when:

  • The wrong drug or dose was given
  • Monitoring was inadequate
  • Warning signs were ignored
  • Protocols were not followed

These cases often turn on whether:

The injury could have been prevented with proper care

What Evidence Matters

A strong case typically involves:

  • Medical records
  • Medication administration records (MAR)
  • Fetal monitoring strips
  • Infusion pump data
  • Expert analysis

The goal is to determine:

  • What went wrong
  • When it went wrong
  • Whether it should have been prevented

Early Action Matters

You should seek legal guidance if:

  • A baby suffered brain injury during delivery
  • There were complications involving medication
  • Emergency intervention was delayed
  • You were told “something went wrong”

Even if you are unsure:
👉 Early evaluation is critical.

Speak With a Birth Injury Lawyer

If you believe a medication error during labor or delivery caused injury or death, you may have legal options.

We offer a confidential, no-cost consultation.

Call toll free 833-5GIRARDS

Or, call 214-346-9529

Or contact us online at our Contact Page