Fact-Checked: Why Trust Countless issues can arise during labor and delivery that may result in major implications for mother and child. For example, the infant may not receive adequate oxygen during the labor and delivery process. When that happens, medical professionals generally need to intervene as quickly as possible.
If they fail to do so, the infant could suffer lasting medical complications. Expectant parents and those coming to terms with a newborn’s recent birth injuries may require support as they evaluate their options and try to pursue justice. Understanding the causes and consequences of oxygen deprivation can help people take appropriate action.
What causes a lack of oxygen during birth?
Oxygen deprivation during labor and delivery, also known as birth hypoxia, is a somewhat common birth complication. There are a number of potential causes. In some cases, the movement of the fetus during labor can put pressure on the umbilical cord, which can reduce the flow of oxygenated blood from the mother to the fetus.
Other times, issues with the placenta could cause oxygen deprivation. If the placenta prematurely separates from the uterine wall or if there is insufficient blood flow to the placenta, that could affect the amount of oxygen the baby receives. Hemorrhaging or anemia in the mother could also affect the oxygen supply to the infants. Even extremely forceful contractions could affect oxygen delivery to the infant.
What are the effects?
A baby born after protracted oxygen deprivation may have skin that is pale or blue. They may also be limp. They may display difficulty breathing or may have seizures shortly after birth.
The long-term consequences can include brain damage. A baby who does not receive adequate oxygen during birth may have Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE). HIE is a leading cause of cerebral palsy, which causes a variety of developmental and motor function challenges.
Hospitals can detect early warning signs of declining oxygen levels by monitoring the heart rate of the fetus. Changes in heart rate are often the only warning signs of fetal distress available. Medical professionals must react promptly to protect an infant from developing permanent medical complications because of insufficient oxygen.
If medical professionals did not take the right steps to protect an infant during birth, then they may have committed malpractice. In some cases, families that work with an attorney can develop a legal case against their physician or the hospital where the error occurred. They may be able to pursue compensation by negotiating a medical malpractice insurance settlement or pursuing a lawsuit.
Birth injuries tend to have lasting implications for the children involved and their parents. Securing legal representation from professionals familiar with these complex cases can help families minimize long-term economic harm caused by medical negligence.