Today we will talk about the top 3 HIE birth injury questions that we received offline while we attended our recent birth injury conference. For us it is easier to combine the questions and present them in one post so that we can get the information out to the public faster. Although we have talked about some of these issues in the past, we feel it best to give up to date content on these issues.
If you are new to the HIE journey this post and supporting video should give you insight into some of these issues, as we know many families have these questions and may not have the ability to either ask professionals for help or know how to find these answers.
Top 3 Birth Injury Questions (1. Will An HIE Diagnosis Always Mean A Subsequent Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis?)
The first question, and one that is prevalent when a baby has an HIE diagnosis at birth is whether this HIE diagnosis will automatically mean that the baby will go on to develop a subsequent cerebral palsy diagnosis (CP). The short answer is that no, a baby who has suffered an HIE diagnosis will not automatically have a CP diagnosis. Depending on the literature, the percentages might fluctuate some, but the answer still remains not all babies who have a CP diagnosis will automatically develop CP.
According to the literature that we reviewed before this post, by age 2, 60% of babies who have an HIE diagnosis will either pass away or develop a serious disability, which includes CP. After a baby has suffered an HIE diagnosis the first few months and years are crucial when it comes to their development. This is why we suggest that parents stay up on all doctors and medical appointments, especially during this time, and ask the doctors any questions that they may have regarding the specifics of their baby.
Question 2. Will A Nuchal Cord Automatically Mean My Baby Will Have An HIE Brain Injury At Birth?
The second question deals with nuchal cord. Nuchal cord is a medical condition in which a baby’s umbilical cord becomes wrapped around the baby’s neck. If a baby has a nuchal cord this does not automatically mean that the baby will suffer an HIE brain injury at birth. As with a subsequent CP diagnosis following an HIE diagnosis, depending on what literature you review, the percentage of babies who develop a nuchal cord can vary.
With the above stated, the percentage of babies with nuchal cord is fairly common. The literature that we reviewed before this post stated that around 30% of term babies will develop a nuchal cord. One of the main issues with nuchal cord is whether there is umbilical cord compression. If there is no umbilical cord compression, then the likelihood of a brain injury goes down.
Cord compression can happen in a variety of ways, but generally during labor and delivery it can happen during the second stage of labor, as the baby begins the decent down the birth canal. During this time it is critical that attention is paid to the readings on the electronic fetal heart monitor.
Question 3. Does It Cost Money To Speak With Us Initially About Your Baby’s Experience & HIE Brain Injury?
The final question is one that deals with the cost, if any, speaking with me and my law firm initially about your baby’s HIE brain injury at birth. The quick answer is that there is no cost to speak with us regarding your baby’s brain injury. Your can reach out to me at my contact information below. We speak with families like yours all the time about these types of issues and I would be honored to hear about your baby’s story.
Marcus B. Boston, Esq.
9701 Apollo Dr. Suite 100
Largo, Maryland 20774
1-833-4 BABY HELP
