When a mother shared her story about her baby’s birth, it was heart-wrenching. Her baby was born deep blue, silent, and lifeless. She described how the medical team rushed to force oxygen into her baby, later learning that her baby had suffered a brain injury known as Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE). This situation is often linked to an acute profound asphyxia event, where a baby’s oxygen supply is suddenly and severely disrupted during labor.
What Causes an Acute Profound Asphyxia Event?
Acute profound asphyxia events can happen due to several complications during labor. Umbilical cord issues like compression, a true knot, or a nuchal cord can restrict oxygen. Placental abruption, where the placenta detaches prematurely, or uterine rupture are also possible causes. Even maternal issues such as heavy bleeding or a sharp drop in blood pressure can lead to this dangerous situation.
While not all cases are preventable, many acute profound asphyxia events provide warning signs that medical professionals are trained to identify. These warning signs often appear on fetal heart monitors, making timely and appropriate action essential.
She Said Her Baby Was Suffocating During Labor
One of the most important tools during labor is the fetal heart monitor. It tracks a baby’s heart rate and provides critical information about how the baby is tolerating labor. Warning signs of acute profound asphyxia may include a prolonged drop in heart rate, slowed variability, or late decelerations, all of which indicate oxygen deprivation.
The mother who said, “She said her baby was suffocating during labor,” later learned that those signs had been present, but they weren’t acted on quickly enough. Medical professionals are trained to respond to these signs immediately. Interventions like repositioning the mother, providing oxygen, or performing an emergency C-section can make the difference between a healthy delivery and a baby suffering a life-altering injury.
What Can Families Do After HIE?
If your baby was diagnosed with HIE and you’re left wondering whether the event could have been prevented, you’re not alone in asking these questions. Many families, like the one who said, “She said her baby was suffocating during labor,” seek answers about what happened and whether more could have been done to protect their child. These questions deserve a thorough investigation to uncover the truth.
To speak with me further about your baby’s HIE brain injury at birth you can reach out to me at my contact information below. Remember, it is free for us to do an initial review of your case.
Marcus B. Boston, Esq.
9701 Apollo Dr. Suite 100
Largo, Maryland 20774
301-850-4832
1-833-4 BABY HELP
