No parent wants to think about the fact that his/her baby could be at risk of a type of asphyxiation before, during or after childbirth. But the reality is that a condition called hypoxia can and does happen, and can unfortunately be the result of a medical error.
Definition of Hypoxia
Hypoxia is a medical term that means there is a lack of oxygen getting to the brain. When hypoxia occurs, the lack of oxygen can quickly kill or damage brain cells and end in death or serious, long-term injury. In the United States, hypoxia happens in an estimated four out of every 1,000 births. More than 15 percent of those babies will die from the condition. Of those babies who survive, one-fourth will develop permanent birth injuries .
Birth Injuries Associated With Hypoxia
Infants who do not receive adequate oxygen before, during and after birth can experience a wide range of birth injuries, from moderate and short-term symptoms to devastating, life-altering conditions, such as:
• Permanent brain damage
• Mental retardation
• Cerebral palsy
• Coma
• Severe neurological issues
• Learning disabilities
• Muscle weakness and spasms
• Respiratory problems
• Epilepsy and frequent seizures
• Limited or complete paralysis
Types of Medical Errors That Can Cause Hypoxia
Sadly, a large number of hypoxia cases are preventable, if only a doctor or other medical professional had provided a reasonable and expected standard of care.
When that does not happen, and a child is injured, it can be a case of medical malpractice (also called medical negligence).
Some of the most common medical mistakes that can lead to hypoxia include:
• Delaying an emergency C-section (or failing to order one at all)
• Lack of treatment and/or diagnosis of umbilical cord and placenta complications
• Failure to adequately treat and manage maternal health conditions, such as hypertension, HELLP Syndrome and diabetes
• Failure to get a sufficient family medical history from the mother
• Undetected problems with amniotic fluid levels
• Failure to closely monitor the mother and baby during the labor and delivery process
• Failure to prevent a rupture of the mother's uterus during childbirth
• Not recognizing and acting on hypoxia symptoms immediately after birth
Compensation for Hypoxia Due to Medical Malpractice
When doctors or other healthcare professionals do not take the appropriate actions that could prevent or treat hypoxia in a fetus or newborn, they can be held liable in a medical malpractice lawsuit
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