Monitoring uterine pressure during labor is a vital part of ensuring the safety of both mother and baby. When uterine resting pressures exceed 25 mmHg, it can reduce oxygen flow to the baby, increasing the risk of Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy, HIE, and cerebral palsy, CP. Proper monitoring and immediate intervention by the medical team are often key to preventing these injuries.
What Is Uterine Pressure?
Uterine pressure refers to the force exerted during and between contractions. This pressure is monitored using an intrauterine pressure catheter, IUPC, which provides accurate measurements of both contraction strength and resting pressures. Resting pressures above 25 mmHg are considered dangerous, as they may lead to oxygen deprivation for the baby and increase the risk of uterine rupture or other complications.
High Uterine Pressure During Labor And The Risk Of HIE And CP Injuries
When resting uterine pressure remains elevated during labor, it can have devastating effects. High uterine pressure during labor and the risk of HIE and CP injuries occur when the baby’s oxygen supply is restricted for too long, causing potential damage to their brain. It is critical for healthcare teams to monitor these pressures closely and intervene quickly when abnormal readings occur.
The Role Of Medical Teams
Proper use of tools like the IUPC is essential in managing uterine pressure. When medical teams fail to identify and address high uterine pressure, babies can suffer permanent injuries. High uterine pressure during labor and the risk of HIE and CP injuries can often be avoided with timely medical intervention. However, when negligence occurs, families are left dealing with the consequences and searching for answers about what went wrong.
If your child has been diagnosed with HIE or CP, reviewing how labor was managed is an important step in understanding whether your baby’s injury could have been prevented.
To learn more or ask further questions regarding your child’s HIE or subsequent CP diagnosis you can reach out to me at my contact information that is below. Remember, it does not cost you any money to initially talk with me about your baby’s story.
Marcus B. Boston, Esq.
9701 Apollo Dr. Suite 100
Largo, Maryland 20774
301-850-4832
1-833-4 BABY HELP