Fetal Distress

Understanding Birth Injury Medical Malpractice with Baltimore Fetal Distress Lawyer Mark Kopec

Fetal distress, a serious complication during labor and delivery, occurs when a baby in the womb isn’t receiving enough oxygen. This lack of oxygen can lead to severe and irreversible brain damage, including cerebral palsy, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), and other developmental disabilities. When medical professionals fail to recognize and respond appropriately to fetal distress, it can constitute medical malpractice. If your child has a birth injury, you may need Baltimore fetal distress lawyer Mark Kopec at the Kopec Law Firm.

What is Fetal Distress?

Fetal distress is a broad term indicating that a fetus is experiencing stress during labor or delivery. It signifies that the baby is not tolerating the labor process well and may be at risk for oxygen deprivation. This condition demands immediate medical intervention to prevent serious harm.

Types of Fetal Distress

Fetal distress can manifest in various ways, categorized based on the underlying cause and the observed symptoms. Common types generally include:

• Hypoxia/Asphyxia: This involves a deficiency of oxygen in the fetal blood. It’s a critical form of fetal distress that can lead to HIE if not addressed quickly.
• Umbilical Cord Compression: The umbilical cord, the lifeline between the mother and baby, can become compressed, restricting blood and oxygen flow. This can occur due to nuchal cord (cord wrapped around the baby’s neck), cord prolapse (cord descending into the birth canal before the baby), or knots in the cord.
• Placental Abruption: This is the premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall, which can significantly reduce oxygen and nutrient supply to the fetus.
• Uterine Rupture: A tear in the uterine wall, often occurring in women with previous cesarean sections, can lead to fetal distress due to oxygen deprivation and blood loss.
• Meconium Aspiration: If the fetus passes meconium (their first stool) into the amniotic fluid and inhales it, it can cause respiratory distress after birth.

Symptoms and Signs of Fetal Distress

Recognizing the signs of fetal distress is crucial for timely intervention. These signs can be observed through fetal monitoring and maternal reports. Key indicators include:

• Changes in Fetal Heart Rate: A significant decrease (bradycardia), increase (tachycardia), or variability in the fetal heart rate is a primary indicator. Electronic fetal monitoring is critical for identifying these changes.
• Meconium-Stained Amniotic Fluid: The presence of meconium in the amniotic fluid suggests fetal distress and the risk of meconium aspiration.
• Decreased Fetal Movement: A significant reduction in fetal movements during labor can signal a problem.
• Abnormal Fetal pH: Testing the fetal scalp blood pH can reveal acidosis, a sign of oxygen deprivation.
• Excessive Uterine Contractions: Contractions that are too frequent or too intense can compromise blood flow to the placenta and fetus.

Diagnostic Tests

Several diagnostic tests are used to assess fetal well-being and identify fetal distress:

• Electronic Fetal Monitoring (EFM): This continuous monitoring of the fetal heart rate and uterine contractions is essential for detecting changes that indicate distress.
• Fetal Scalp Blood Sampling: This test measures the pH of the fetal scalp blood to determine if the fetus is experiencing acidosis.
• Ultrasound: This imaging technique can assess fetal movement, amniotic fluid levels, and placental function.
• Biophysical Profile (BPP): This combines ultrasound and fetal heart rate monitoring to evaluate fetal well-being.
• Doppler Ultrasound: This measures blood flow in the umbilical cord to assess fetal oxygenation.

Treatment and Intervention

Prompt and appropriate intervention is crucial when fetal distress is suspected. Treatment options may include:

• Changing Maternal Position: Altering the mother’s position can sometimes improve blood flow to the fetus.
• Oxygen Administration: Providing supplemental oxygen to the mother can increase oxygen delivery to the fetus.
• Intravenous Fluids: Hydrating the mother can improve blood volume and circulation.
• Tocolytic Medications: These medications can slow or stop uterine contractions, allowing for more time to address the underlying issue.
• Amnioinfusion: Infusing saline into the amniotic cavity can alleviate umbilical cord compression.
• Emergency Cesarean Section (C-section): In severe cases, an emergency C-section is necessary to deliver the baby quickly and prevent further oxygen deprivation.

Prognosis

The prognosis for a baby experiencing fetal distress depends on the severity and duration of oxygen deprivation. Mild cases may result in no long-term effects, while severe cases can lead to:

• Cerebral Palsy: A neurological disorder affecting movement, muscle tone, and posture.
• Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE): Brain damage caused by oxygen deprivation.
• Developmental Delays: Cognitive and motor skill delays.
• Seizure Disorders: Epilepsy and other seizure conditions.
• Death: In the most severe instances, fetal distress can result in stillbirth or neonatal death.

Medical Providers Involved

Several doctors and other medical professionals are involved in managing fetal distress, including:

• Obstetricians: Physicians specializing in pregnancy, labor, and delivery.
• Nurses: Labor and delivery nurses who monitor fetal well-being and provide care during childbirth.
• Neonatologists: Pediatricians specializing in the care of newborns, especially those with complications.
• Perinatologists: Obstetricians specializing in high-risk pregnancies.

Medical Malpractice Claims with Baltimore Fetal Distress Lawyer Mark Kopec

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional’s negligence results in harm to a patient. In cases of fetal distress, potential malpractice claims may arise from:

• Failure to Recognize Fetal Distress: Not identifying and responding to signs of fetal distress.
• Delayed Intervention: Failing to perform a timely C-section or other necessary interventions.
• Improper Fetal Monitoring: Incorrect interpretation or failure to monitor fetal heart rate.
• Negligent Management of Complications: Mishandling complications such as umbilical cord compression or placental abruption.
• Failure to Communicate: Inadequate communication between medical providers, leading to delays in care.
• Improper use of Pitocin, or other labor inducing drugs: Resulting in excessive contractions.
• Negligent use of forceps or vacuum extractors: Causing trauma that leads to fetal distress.

Next Step: Call Baltimore Fetal Distress Lawyer Mark Kopec

If you believe your child suffered a birth injury due to fetal distress, consulting with a medical malpractice attorney is essential. We can evaluate your case, determine if negligence occurred, and help you seek compensation for the damages.

Visit our free consultation page or video. Then contact the Kopec Law Firm at 800-604-0704 to speak directly with Attorney Mark Kopec. He is a top-rated Baltimore birth injury lawyer. The Kopec Law Firm is in Baltimore and pursues birth injury cases throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C.