Depriving Baby of Oxygen During Delivery
Deprivation of oxygen during childbirth is due to negligent medical care. It is essential that your doctor recognizes and treat symptoms of oxygen deprivation immediately to avoid serious birth injury to the baby which can be devastating.
It is extremely important that the medical professionals monitor the infant during birth to ensure that it is not in distress. Most oxygen deprivation injuries occur when a doctor is not advised immediately of fetal distress or through failure to perform an emergency C-Section.
Causes of Oxygen Deprivation during Childbirth
- A twisted or compressed umbilical cord
- Umbilical cord around neck
- Abnormal positioning of baby in birth canal
Immediately Noticeable Symptoms
An infant who has suffered oxygen deprivation during childbirth may show the following symptoms immediately:
- Low Apgar score
- Seizures within the first 24-48 hours after delivery
- Difficulty feeding
- Apnea-occurs when a baby holds their breath for any amount of time
- Low cord pH indicating that there is too much acid in the umbilical cord caused by lack of oxygen
Long Term Effects of Oxygen Deprivation
When the brain has been deprived of oxygen, some signs become apparent as your child grows may include the following:
- Speech disability
- Problems with mobility, including walking, balance and coordination
- Learning difficulties, including memory loss, inability to concentrate, poor judgment and behavior problems
Autism and epilepsy have also been associated with oxygen deprivation at birth.
If you think your child has suffered from oxygen deprivation during childbirth, contact the Law Offices of Ronald W. Sage at (732) 547-2944 about your medical malpractice case.
This informational blog was provided by Ronald W. Sage, an experienced New Jersey Birth Injury Attorney.