How Inadequate Fetal Monitoring Can Lead to HIE Brain Injuries

For expectant mothers, labor and delivery can be a time filled with both excitement and anxiety. One of the most critical aspects of this process is ensuring that the baby is doing well throughout labor, and this is where electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) comes into play. EFM tracks the baby’s heart rate and allows doctors and nurses to observe any signs of fetal distress. Fetal distress, if not properly addressed, can result in serious conditions, such as Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE), a type of brain injury caused by lack of oxygen.

The Importance of Fetal Monitoring

In most cases, EFM is used to detect patterns in the baby’s heart rate that may signal distress. A significant drop in heart rate, for example, can indicate that the baby is not receiving sufficient oxygen. When medical professionals notice these signs early, they can take swift action, whether by repositioning the mother, administering oxygen, or in some cases, recommending an emergency C-section.

However, how inadequate fetal monitoring can lead to HIE brain injuries is an issue that cannot be ignored. In some unfortunate cases, doctors and nurses may fail to properly monitor the baby’s heart rate or may overlook critical signs of distress. Delayed or improper responses to abnormal heart rate patterns can lead to prolonged periods where the baby is deprived of oxygen, increasing the risk of HIE.

How Inadequate Fetal Monitoring Can Lead to HIE Brain Injuries

When doctors and nurses fail to properly monitor the baby, the consequences can be devastating. The lack of immediate intervention during fetal distress may result in an HIE brain injury, which can cause long-term developmental issues for the child. This highlights why consistent and accurate monitoring is essential for the health and safety of the baby.

For parents of children with HIE, understanding the role of fetal monitoring can be crucial in determining whether medical negligence played a part in their child’s injury.

Marcus B. Boston, Esq.

Boston Law Group, LLC

9701 Apollo Dr. Suite 100

Largo, Maryland 20774

bostonlawllc.com

301-850-4832

1-833-4 BABY HELP

 

Marcus Boston is a Maryland medical malpractice attorney who helps people navigate the Maryland childbirth injury and medical malpractice process to get money for their injuries caused by the carelessness of doctors and hospitals. BLG handles cases in Prince George’s County, Baltimore City, Montgomery County, Howard County, Anne Arundel County, all other Maryland Counties, and Washington DC. For birth injury cases outside of Maryland and Washington DC, BLG works with local counsel (a lawyer barred in that state). blgesq.com blgesq Maryland birth injury attorneys