Fetal Distress During Labor ◦ Cleveland, Ohio, Birth Injury Attorneys
It is the responsibility of OB/GYN professionals to monitor and evaluate the well-being of a baby during labor and delivery. If the fetus is in distress, a timely C-section is usually performed. Obstetrical nurses, technicians, and obstetricians themselves are expected to figure out what is causing fetal distress during childbirth and respond promptly and appropriately to ensure the child's well-being.
If you suspect that a medical provider's failure to diagnose fetal distress has resulted in brain damage to your newborn, or has sadly resulted in the stillbirth of your child, contact Lancione & Lancione, PLL to schedule your free initial consultation with an experienced Ohio birth injury lawyer.
Fetal distress can be caused by many different problems during labor. A prolapsed umbilical cord, an umbilical cord wrapped around the neck or trapped between the cervix and the head of the fetus, or the baby being in a breech position, may all result in hypoxia and accompanying changes in the baby's heart rate.
Sometimes, the use of pitocin, a powerful drug used to induce or accelerate labor, can result in uterine hyperstimulation-and fetal distress. A doctor may choose to perform an intrauterine resuscitation by putting the mother on her right side and giving her oxygen by mask along with IV fluids in order to stop the negative effects of the pitocin.
If these steps do not relieve the fetal distress, a physician should deliver the baby in the most expeditious way possible, typically by emergency C-section. Prolonged fetal distress greatly increases the likelihood of birth injury.
Contact us to schedule your free initial consultation regarding legal options when the failure to diagnose fetal distress has resulted in disabilities or even the wrongful death of your child.
