When a baby is diagnosed with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and potentially cerebral palsy, parents are often left searching for answers. One possible cause that isn’t always explained is chorioamnionitis, a bacterial infection of the amniotic sac. This infection can sometimes develop or worsen in the hospital during labor and delivery, potentially leading to long-term injuries. Understanding how this happens can help families seek clarity and, in some cases, accountability.

 

What Is Chorioamnionitis and How Does It Happen?

 

Chorioamnionitis occurs when bacteria infect the amniotic sac, causing inflammation that may affect both the mother and the baby. While it can develop during pregnancy, this infection is sometimes hospital-acquired due to prolonged labor or improper management after membranes rupture. Hospital protocols are meant to reduce risks, such as using sterile techniques during exams and monitoring for warning signs like maternal fever or an elevated fetal heart rate.

 

When these protocols are not followed, or if treatment is delayed, the infection can spread, leading to complications. These include oxygen deprivation, which increases the risk of HIE and, in some cases, a cerebral palsy diagnosis.

 

Could A Hidden Infection In The Hospital Have Caused Your Baby’s HIE And Potential Cerebral Palsy Injuries?

 

If your baby was diagnosed with HIE and you experienced a fever during labor, or if the hospital did not explain the cause of your baby’s condition, could a hidden infection in the hospital have caused your baby’s HIE and potential cerebral palsy injuries? Confirming this requires a placental pathology, which examines the placenta, membranes, and umbilical cord under a microscope for signs of infection. This is the only way to verify suspected clinical findings and understand if the infection contributed to your baby’s injury.

 

How Preventable Are These Infections?

 

Not every case of chorioamnionitis is due to negligence, but some infections are preventable. When hospitals fail to monitor for warning signs or delay treatment, the consequences can be severe. Families asking, could a hidden infection in the hospital have caused your baby’s HIE and potential cerebral palsy injuries, deserve answers. By reviewing medical records and placental findings, parents can uncover whether their baby’s injuries could have been avoided and take steps toward accountability.

 

If you have more questions regarding your baby’s HIE and subsequent CP diagnosis at birth, please reach out to me at my contact information below. There’s no money charge for you to talk with me initially regarding your baby’s story.

 

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 and Washington DC birth injury attorneys