Welcoming a child into the world should be a moment of pure joy. But for some families, those emotions are overshadowed by fear, confusion, and heartbreak when something goes wrong during delivery, such as oxygen deprivation.
This occurs when a newborn does not receive enough oxygen before, during, or after birth. What are the risks of oxygen deprivation at birth? The outcomes can be life altering. While some cases are unavoidable, others are preventable with proper medical care. When a healthcare provider fails to act appropriately, that could be a case of medical malpractice.
What Causes Oxygen Deprivation?
According to a study published in the American Journal of Neuroradiology, oxygen deprivation at birth occurs in 2 to 10 out of every 1,000 full-term births. There are several reasons a baby might not get enough oxygen during delivery. Some of the most common include:
- Umbilical cord problems, like cord compression, a prolapsed cord, or tied into a knot.
- Placental issues, such as placental or placenta previa.
- Prolonged labor or delivery complications that cause the baby to stay in the birth canal too long.
- Maternal health conditions, like infections or low blood pressure, may reduce oxygen flow to the baby.
One of the most troubling facts is that many of these situations are detectable and treatable if the medical team pays attention. When they do not, the baby and the family pay the price.
Immediate Medical Risks
The body reacts quickly when a baby does not get enough oxygen, even for a short time. Vital organs, especially the brain, are at risk. Some of the immediate effects may include:
- Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) damages the brain and leads to a medical emergency.
- Low Apgar scores indicate that a newborn struggles with breathing, muscle tone, or heart rate.
- Respiratory problems may require the baby to be intubated or placed on a ventilator.
- Organ dysfunction in the kidneys, liver, and heart.
Time is critical in these cases. Most of the time, doctors and staff have only minutes to act. Delays can mean the difference between a healthy recovery and lifelong disability.
Long-Term Impact on the Child and Family
Oxygen deprivation can lead to long-term complications for the child. These may not be apparent right away. However, over time, families often notice:
- Problems with movement and coordination. Some children also have intellectual disabilities or seizures.
- Learning disabilities, developmental delays, and difficulty focusing are common.
- Speech and motor delays
- Hearing or vision impairments
These require extensive medical treatment, therapy, and special education support. The emotional toll on parents can be overwhelming, and the financial burden can be tremendous.
Could It Have Been Prevented?
In many cases, the answer is yes. Oxygen deprivation is the result of avoidable mistakes. Medical professionals must monitor the baby’s condition, recognize when something is not right, and take action. This often includes administering oxygen, speeding up delivery, or performing an emergency C-section.
When that does not happen, it is more than a mistake. It is a failure that can change a child’s life forever.
If you’re a parent dealing with a birth injury, you may be wondering: Was this preventable? Could my doctor have done more? Those questions deserve answers and accountability.
Why Do Birth Injuries Happen?
Birth injuries can occur for a number of reasons, and understanding the cause is the first step in determining whether the injury could have been prevented. Some common contributing factors include:
Failure to Monitor Fetal Distress
Medical professionals closely monitor the baby’s heart rate throughout labor. Signs of fetal distress, such as a dangerously low heart rate, are red flags that something is wrong. When doctors or nurses fail to act quickly on these warnings, the baby may suffer from oxygen deprivation.
Delayed C-Section
When labor is not progressing, or the baby is in distress, an emergency cesarean section is the safest course of action. Even by a few minutes, delaying that decision can cause serious harm.
Improper Use of Delivery Tools
Forceps or vacuum extractors can be helpful during delivery. However, when used incorrectly, they can cause skull fractures, nerve damage, or brain injuries.
Medication Errors
Administering the wrong medication or the wrong dosage during labor can endanger both mother and baby. For instance, excessive use of Pitocin can cause contractions that are too strong or frequent.
That can put the baby at risk.
Neglect of Maternal Health Conditions
Gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, or infections must be monitored and managed throughout pregnancy. Failing to do so can lead to complications that impact the baby during birth.
Who Is Accountable?
Determining who is legally and medically responsible for a birth injury depends on what went wrong and when. Some of these parties may include:
Obstetricians and Delivering Physicians
Doctors overseeing labor and delivery have a duty to recognize and respond to complications. If they fail to order a timely C-section, misread fetal monitoring strips, or make poor decisions during a high-risk delivery, they may be held liable for resulting injuries.
Nurses and Medical Staff
Nurses are the first to notice signs of fetal distress or complications. If they fail to report these signs to a physician or do not follow proper procedures, their actions or inaction can be grounds for accountability.
Hospitals and Medical Facilities
Hospitals are responsible for making sure their staff are properly trained, their equipment is functioning, and protocols are followed. If systemic issues or understaffing played a role in your child’s injury, the hospital itself may bear legal responsibility.
Pharmacists or Anesthesiologists
In some cases, a birth injury results from an error in administering anesthesia or medications.
The professionals responsible for those drugs may also be held accountable when that happens.
No parent should ever have to experience the trauma of watching their newborn suffer because of a preventable mistake. If your child was deprived of oxygen at birth and now has serious medical challenges, you have legal options.
We know how difficult this situation can be, and we know what it takes to fight for the compensation and justice your family deserves.
Contact Thomas Law Offices today.
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