Breech births can present serious complications for both mother and baby. When these complications arise due to medical negligence, families deserve knowledgeable and compassionate legal support.Â
At Aldous Law, we understand how overwhelming this experience can be and are committed to helping you seek justice and secure compensation for your child’s care and your family’s wellbeing. With extensive experience in birth injury cases, our Dallas-based team is dedicated to holding medical professionals accountable and providing the support you need during this challenging time. You don’t have to face this alone, trust Aldous Law to fight for you and your family.
What Is a Breech Birth?
A breech birth occurs when a baby is positioned to be delivered bottom-first or feet-first, rather than the typical head-first position. While breech births are relatively uncommon, statistically affecting about 3–4% of full-term pregnancies, they carry increased risks for both the baby and the mother.Â
If your baby was harmed during a breech delivery, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages. Our experienced birth injury attorneys are here to seek compensation for any and all injuries you may have experienced. Â
Types of Breech Presentation
Understanding the specific type of breech presentation can shed light on potential complications and help in evaluating the care your baby received. The main types include:
- Frank Breech: The baby's hips are flexed, and the legs are extended with feet near the head. This is the most common type of breech presentation.
 - Complete Breech: The baby is in a cross-legged position, with both hips and knees flexed.
 - Footling Breech: One or both feet are positioned to come out first. This type is more common in premature babies and can lead to complications such as umbilical cord prolapse.
 - Kneeling Breech: The baby is positioned with knees first, which is a rare and complex presentation.
 
When Breech Births Become Dangerous
While many breech births can be managed safely, there are moments during labor and delivery when a breech presentation can quickly become risky for both mother and baby. These situations can develop in the span of minutes and may lead to serious complications.Â
Some of the most common dangers include:
- Umbilical Cord Prolapse: The cord slips into the birth canal ahead of the baby, which can reduce oxygen flow and become life-threatening if not addressed immediately.
 - Head Entrapment: The baby’s head can get stuck after the body has been delivered, increasing the risk of severe injury.
 - Fetal Distress: Sudden changes in heart rate can indicate that your baby is struggling and may require emergency intervention.
 - Birth Trauma: Rapid or difficult deliveries can result in injuries ranging from fractures to nerve damage.
 - Maternal Complications: Breech deliveries can sometimes increase the risk of excessive bleeding, tearing, or other complications for the mother.
 
These risks can happen quickly which is why close monitoring and timely action from medical professionals is critical for the safety of both you and your baby.
Common Breech Birth Complications
Breech deliveries can sometimes lead to complications that affect a baby’s health both immediately and long-term. These complications can happen quickly during labor, often leaving parents feeling overwhelmed, scared, and unsure of what went wrong. At Aldous Law, we represent families who are facing a variety of birth-related injuries and complications.Â
Oxygen Deprivation, Broken Bones & Brain Injuries
During a breech birth, some of the most serious complications include:
- Oxygen Deprivation (Hypoxia or Asphyxia): Limited oxygen supply during delivery can lead to brain damage, developmental delays, or other long-term health issues.
 - Broken Bones: The unusual positioning during delivery can put pressure on the baby’s limbs or collarbone, sometimes resulting in fractures.
 - Nerve Injuries: Brachial plexus or other nerve damage can occur if the baby is pulled or twisted during delivery.
 - Brain Injuries: In severe cases, oxygen deprivation or trauma can cause permanent brain injuries such as cerebral palsy.
 
If your baby suffered any of these injuries during a breech birth, it may be possible to pursue a birth injury claim. Consulting with an experienced birth injury attorney can help you understand whether medical malpractice played a role and guide you toward securing compensation for medical care and other damages.
Was Your Breech Delivery Mishandled?
Labor and delivery can be intense and unpredictable, especially when your baby is in a breech position. These moments often require quick, decisive action, and it’s completely natural for mothers and parents to feel unsure of what to do. During these critical minutes, you rely on your medical team to make informed decisions that protect both you and your baby. Recognizing whether your breech delivery was handled appropriately can help you understand what happened and determine whether your family may have been affected by medical negligence.
Signs of Medical Negligence During Labor
- Delayed or inappropriate decision-making: Critical delays in performing a cesarean section or managing complications can increase the risk of injury.
 - Failure to monitor the mother or baby’s condition: Inadequate monitoring of heart rate or oxygen levels can lead to undetected distress.
 - Improper use of force: Pulling or twisting the baby incorrectly during delivery can cause fractures, nerve damage, or other trauma.
 - Ignoring breech-specific protocols: Failing to follow recommended procedures for breech presentations can increase the risk of complications.
 - Lack of informed consent: Not discussing the risks of a breech delivery or alternative options with parents before labor.
 
Can You Sue for a Breech Birth Injury in Texas?
Absolutely. When medical staff fail to recognize a breech presentation or respond appropriately, the consequences can be dangerous for both mother and baby. In these moments, parents are often left feeling vulnerable and blindsided, wondering if this was preventable. In Texas, if your baby suffered an injury during a preventable breech birth, you have the right to pursue a birth injury claim to hold the responsible parties accountable.
Why Choose Aldous Law to Represent Your Family?
At Aldous Law, we believe every family deserves a voice and every child deserves a chance at a healthy future. We stand beside our clients through moments that define their lives. Share your story with us, and we’ll help you find clarity within the chaos. Together, we work to protect your child, share your family’s experience, and secure the support and care your family deserves. Contact the birth injury attorneys at Aldous Law today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.




