Giving birth can be an arduous process. The potential of birth injury can add significantly to that challenge. Birth asphyxia is one of the most common causes of birth injury. At its most basic level, birth asphyxia refers to when a baby has insufficient blood and oxygen flow to their brains during childbirth. At its most severe, this can have catastrophic consequences. If we catch the symptoms of it soon enough, and promptly give our babies the proper treatment, its effects can be less devastating. Below, we have laid out the basics of birth asphyxia.
At its most severe, birth asphyxia can have catastrophic consequences. Here’s what you need to know about this form of birth injury.
Consequences
Before delving into the causes of birth asphyxia, let’s have a look at its consequences. Although babies are likely to recover fully if they experienced only mild asphyxiation and it was addressed promptly, the outlook may not always be so bright. One of its most common results is cerebral palsy, which impacts more than 10,000 newborns per year. Insufficient oxygen flow to the brain during childbirth can affect many other organs, including the heart and lungs. It can even cause epilepsy or blindness.
Causes
Birth asphyxia has a multitude of potential causes. Unfortunately, in the vast majority of cases, the causes are natural or otherwise unavoidable. A typical cause of asphyxia is strangulation from the umbilical cord. It can also occur if the umbilical cord prolapses or is compressed. The mother’s health also plays a significant role. If she has insufficient oxygen levels in her blood, or other issues with her blood pressure, asphyxiation can result. There is also the chance that the baby could be asphyxiated by an unusually long or strenuous birthing process.
Should I hire a lawyer?
Human error can exasperate the consequences of birth asphyxia. This is where medical malpractice comes in. Trained medical professionals should recognize the warning signs of birth asphyxia and take action promptly. Doctors should be monitoring the baby’s heart rate to ensure that everything is going smoothly. Even without such measures, severe cases of birth asphyxia can manifest in more obvious ways, such as a bluish skin tone accompanied by weak breathing.
Timeliness is essential to combatting the effects of birth asphyxia, and if a medical professional does not take the proper action, you may have a lawsuit on your hands. You can trust the experienced birth injury professionals at the Snyder Law Group to handle your case.
Contact The Snyder Law Group Today
The Snyder Law Group, LLC, proudly represents clients throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. Our experienced Baltimore attorneys understand the frustration that comes with an insurance company, medical professional, or other party that refuses to accept liability for negligent or reckless behavior. You can take heart in knowing there are talented and experienced lawyers ready to work for you. We are experienced in handling personal injury claims of medical malpractice or injury resulting from serious car and truck accidents, and have secured hundreds of millions in verdicts settlements*. Please visit our website, www.410thefirm.com, for more information and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.