Baby Asphyxiation
Proper monitoring of an expectant mother and her unborn child is crucial throughout pregnancy, labor and delivery. Many complications can arise to endanger the infant’s oxygen supply. Severe injuries can result from fetal distress caused by baby asphyxiation.
Asphyxiation occurs at any time the infant is deprived of vital blood and oxygen circulation for more than 5 minutes. When medical personnel neglect to perform necessary measures to correct abnormalities, their medical negligence can cause serious and permanent brain damage to the infant, even death.
Complications during Pregnancy
Untreated infections contracted by an expectant mother can pass harmful organisms to the child, resulting in trauma. Infections may lead to other conditions including preeclampsia or eclampsia, which present a wide array of symptoms in the woman and consequently deprive the unborn baby of oxygen.
Complications during Labor and Delivery
When monitoring devices signal fetal distress and caregivers fail to take immediate action, the infant may suffer serious trauma from oxygen deprivation. Distress may come from umbilical cord compression, pressure on the mother’s aorta or vena cava, or malfunction of the placenta.
Labor inducing drugs or improperly administered pain medications can also result in baby asphyxia. In many cases, the appropriate action is to deliver the distressed infant immediately by C-section. Delays in effective and prompt treatment endanger and may permanently injure the child.
Complications after Delivery
When born, distressed infants appear bluish-gray, limp and unresponsive. The infant’s lungs must be immediately cleared of fluid and mucus to let the baby to breathe. Certain medications are required when a child’s lungs are underdeveloped or weakened. The child should promptly be taken to a neonate intensive care unit, treated properly and continuously monitored.
Injuries Due to Baby Asphyxiation
Many devastating and permanent injuries result when an infant experiences oxygen deprivation including:
- Cerebral Palsy
- Death
- Developmental delays and decreased cognitive function
- Loss of hearing or sight
- Mental retardation
- Organ damage
- Seizure disorders
Contact Us
Families experiencing the devastation of birth injures stemming from baby asphyxiation should seek the free advice of our qualified attorneys. We will help you pinpoint the negligence that led to your infant’s injury and explain your legal rights to secure compensation.
