When a Newborn Suffers an Injury Due to Umbilical Cord Problems
The umbilical cord is an unborn child’s lifeline to the mother. This cord transfers necessary oxygen and nutrients from the mother’s bloodstream to the baby, in addition to eliminating wastes and pumping blood supply. Without the umbilical cord, the baby cannot survive through the entire pregnancy. After the baby is born, the umbilical cord is cut, and the baby can then breathe on his or her own. But there are instances where umbilical cord problems suddenly arise that puts the baby at-risk for serious health complications.
What many parents may not realize, is that an umbilical issue which led to a birth injury, could have happened due to the fault of the doctor or medical personnel. Attorneys have been dedicated to helping parents seek restitution for medical mistakes which led to a birth injury. Parents who wonder whether their baby has suffered due to a preventable umbilical cord problem, can meet with an attorney at their earliest convenience for more information.
Umbilical Cord Prolapse
If doctors fail to detect and respond quickly to an umbilical cord prolapse, the baby may become deprived of oxygen. If the baby goes without oxygen for a prolonged period of time, it can lead to a multitude of medical issues such as cognitive disabilities or even death. It is estimated that one in every few hundred deliveries, will be impacted by an umbilical cord prolapse. So, this means doctors and medical personnel must always be aware of this risk and respond urgently if it does arise.
If you suspect that your medical team had failed to address a prolapsed umbilical cord, we urge you to let an attorney know immediately. The most common reasons for an umbilical cord prolapse entail:
- Excessive amount of amniotic fluid
- Unusual umbilical cord length
- Breech delivery
- Premature delivery
Nuchal Cord
A nuchal cord happens when the umbilical cord is curled around the baby’s neck, either once or coiled many times. Nuchal cords may occur for no reason. However, there are a few risk factors that can make it more likely to happen, including whether the mother is carrying twins, an infant is of larger size, the baby is breached, or there is an excessive amount of amniotic fluid. If left untreated, the baby is vulnerable to decreased blood flow, limited oxygen, abnormal fetal heart rate, and impaired fetal development.
If you feel that your doctor or medical personnel had taken away what should have been a blissful birth experience, please know you do not have to fight this alone. Parents who are faced with a newborn with medical complications because of an umbilical cord issue, may be understandably overwhelmed with devastation.
An attorney can empathize with how this time in your life was supposed to be filled with joy. A birth injury lawyer can help you build a case against the medical facility for the wrongdoing and file a lawsuit for compensation. Call today so they can be of legal aid.
