Research Article
Why blame the obstetrician? A review.
Br Med J 1979; 1 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.1.6166.797 (Published 24 March 1979) Cite this as: Br Med J 1979;1:797
- R S Illingworth
Abstract
Because of superficial thinking obstetricians have been blamed unjustifiably for causing brain damage, cerebral palsy, mental subnormality, congenital torticollis, and facial palsy. It is essential to look behind obvious difficulties in labour, such as abnormal presentation or anoxia, to the underlying causes, which are often genetic or social, or concern other prenatal factors.