Birth injuries can have a lasting impact on, not only a child, but also on that child’s entire family. Birth injuries change families through endless doctor visits, rehabilitation sessions, medical bills and trying times at home. The following information, provided by a Virginia medical malpractice attorney, is meant to assist you in learning how to prevent any potential birth injuries your child may face.
Birth Asphyxia
Birth asphyxia is a condition where the flow of oxygen to the baby’s brain is entirely absent. Birth asphyxia damages nerve cells in the brain where the cells originate and can cause irreversible brain damage within five minutes. A baby who experiences birth asphyxia will lose consciousness within 10 to 15 seconds of cardio-pulmonary arrest and may remain unconscious for hours, days, weeks, or even months. Once the baby becomes conscious, she may suffer from seizures or myoclonic jerks (muscle spasms or twitches).
Causes of Asphyxia
Fetal asphyxia occurs when there is an inadequate flow of oxygen from the mother to the fetus, low maternal blood pressure, or abnormalities in the uterus, placenta, or umbilical cord that prohibit blood flow to the fetus. During delivery, asphyxia may occur if the infant becomes entangled in the umbilical cord or if the infant is too large to fit through the birth canal. Asphyxia after birth may result from blood loss, shock, or inadequate respiration.
Birth asphyxia may result from one of the following causes:
- Inadequate flow of oxygen from the mother to the fetus
- Low maternal blood pressure
- Abnormalities in the uterus, placenta, or umbilical cord that prevent blood flow to the fetus
- Entanglement with the umbilical cord during delivery
- Blood loss, shock, or inadequate respiration immediately following birth
- Failure by medical personnel to carefully monitor the fetus prior to birth
- Misreading the Fetal Heart Monitor
- Failure to perform a timely delivery or caesarean section
Preventing Birth Asphyxia
Monitoring and intervention throughout the pregnancy, during delivery, and even after birth are essential to avoid birth injuries that may result from a loss of oxygen to the child. A physician should carefully watch both the mother and child during pregnancy to ensure that:
- There are no signs that the oxygen or blood supply to the fetus has been compromised
- Medical personnel are aware of any potential asphyxia
- Any underlying maternal or fetal conditions, such as increased maternal blood pressure, are properly managed
Physicians typically monitor a baby’s heart rate during pregnancy and delivery using an electronic fetal monitor. The fetal heart monitor immediately notifies physicians of any changes in the child’s heart rate, a clear indicator of oxygen deprivation. If a physician observes any changes in the fetal heart monitor, he should immediately evaluate other circumstances and intervene if necessary to avoid any potential birth injuries. The physician may choose to:
- A dminister oxygen or IV fluids to the mother
- Change the baby’s position
- Expedite delivery using a Caesarean section (“C-section”)
By carefully monitoring a child’s development and quickly responding to any problems, birth injuries can be avoided. During pregnancy, it is important that you communicate with your doctor to ensure that all preventative measures are being taken.
Infant Brain Injuries
Birth injuries may range from minor temporary problems to more sever problems, such as brain damage and developmental disorders. Infant brain injuries may result in incurable brain conditions such as cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, autism, and mental retardation.
Initial symptoms of brain injury to a child include:
- Seizures during the 24 to 48 hours following birth
- Five-minute Apgar score below 3.0
- Too much acidity in the umbilical cord blood
- Weakness and low muscle tone
- Decreased levels of arousability
- Apnea (periods of no breathing)
- Difficulty feeding
Long-term symptoms of brain damage include:
- Developmental delays
- Lower IQ and language skills
- Behavioral problems
- Poor coordination or balance
- Difficulty hearing or poor vision
What to Do If Your Child May Have Suffered From a Birth Injury
If you believe your child may have suffered a birth injury, it is important that you carefully monitor your child for any of the above symptoms. Additionally, you should contact a Virginia, Maryland, or Washington DC medical malpractice attorney who can assist you in determining whether you are due compensation for your child’s condition.
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