When a woman is pregnant, a number of issues can occur. One of these complications is umbilical cord strangulation. Many people are unsure of what this is and what can happen as a result. Our Baltimore birth injury lawyers at The Law Office of Snyder & Snyder, P.A. want our clients to better understand umbilical cord strangulation, how it can harm a baby, and why it is such an issue.
What is Umbilical Cord Strangulation?
The umbilical cord, which is the baby’s life source while still in the womb, can potentially get wrapped around the baby’s neck. If this happens and is left for a prolonged period of time, it can cut off the oxygen to the brain and cause a number of issues. In some cases, when the umbilical cord wraps around the neck, it can have no impact at all. Other times, however, when serious cases are not remedied by a doctor in time, can result in long-term damage.
Birth Asphyxia
If the umbilical cord wraps around the fetus’ neck tight enough and for a prolonged period of time, it can result in a lack of oxygen to the baby’s brain, as well as other organs. The cells don’t work properly and the body can be damaged severely. Birth asphyxia can result in other conditions, as well, and babies who suffer often deal with permanent damage of crucial organs.
Cerebral Palsy
Because of the lack of oxygen flowing to the brain, the fetus may develop various issues that affect him or her well into the future, including cerebral palsy. This disorder affects the brain and alters the baby’s motor skills. Cerebral palsy is often used as a term to include other, similar disorders such as spastic cerebral palsy, athetoid cerebral palsy, and ataxic cerebral palsy, all of which cause various issues for the baby.
Compressed Umbilical Cord
If the umbilical cord wraps around the baby’s neck, it can become compressed. This not only affects the amount of oxygen that can reach the baby, but it can also cut off blood and nutrient flow for the baby. In some cases, this can result in brain damage. In other, more severe matters, fetal death is a possibility. Babies who do make it through the rest of the labor process may suffer from other issues such as developmental issues, injuries associated with an emergency C-section, and heart abnormalities.
When a doctor is monitoring the fetus, they must pay close attention to the position of the umbilical cord. If they overlook a possible issue involving umbilical cord strangulation, these serious injuries can occur. This may be due to an oversight on the part of the doctor and this could be considered medical malpractice leading to the birth injury.
If your baby has been injured due to umbilical cord strangulation and your doctor failed to properly monitor the situation, you may be able to file a claim. Doctors should take every step necessary to ensure the safety of his or her patients. In situations involving pregnant mothers, this duty of care must be provided for the mother and the baby. If they fail in this duty, legal action may be taken.
At The Law Office of Snyder & Snyder, P.A., our team understands this situation is difficult for you. Because of this, our Baltimore birth injury attorneys want you to fully understand your rights and know what options you have at this time. If your baby suffered from umbilical cord strangulation because of a doctor’s failure to monitor, call our firm to discuss your possible birth injury claim.
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