Depriving a baby of oxygen before, during or after delivery can be deadly or result in permanent brain injury. Brain cells begin to die within minutes of oxygen deprivation, so it’s imperative that hospital staff quickly identify signs that a baby is not getting enough oxygen.
Lack of oxygen at birth can be caused by:
- Umbilical cord compression
- Prolapsed umbilical cord
- Umbilical cord around neck
- Sedation of the mother
- Problems with the placenta
- Long or difficult delivery
Anoxia and Hypoxia
Perinatal hypoxia occurs when a baby isn’t getting enough oxygen during or after birth. Perinatal anoxia means he or she is getting no oxygen. Both conditions can result in brain injury including a very serious condition called hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Babies with severe HIE can die of organ failure or lung infections, and those who survive are often left with lifelong problems such as a developmental delay, seizures or cerebral palsy.
Lack of Oxygen during Birth and Medical Malpractice
No matter the level of injury that resulted, it’s unacceptable that someone’s negligence might have deprived a baby of oxygen during delivery. We can help.
For decades, the birth injury lawyers at Anapol Weiss have successfully represented families dealing with the consequences of preventable birth injuries. Our attorneys understand the emotional anguish these situations can cause, and they fiercely advocate for each and every client.