When a baby is born full-term after a medically induced labor, parents expect a safe delivery. But what happens when things take a turn for the worse, and your baby is diagnosed with Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) or Cerebral Palsy (CP)? A term medical induction and now your baby has HIE and CP is a heartbreaking reality for some families. Understanding what may have gone wrong is crucial, as these conditions can have lifelong consequences.
A Term Medical Induction And Now Your Baby Has HIE And CP
A term medical induction is typically performed when it’s deemed medically necessary, not elective. At the start of labor, your baby may appear healthy, with normal heart rates and oxygen levels. However, as labor progresses, complications can arise. Prolonged labor, failure to descend, or excessive use of induction medications like Pitocin can lead to oxygen deprivation. When the brain is deprived of oxygen, even for a short time, the risk of HIE and CP increases significantly.
Warning Signs That Were Missed
Fetal monitoring is critical during labor. It tracks the baby’s heart rate and can indicate distress. If labor drags on or the baby struggles to move down the birth canal, these are red flags. Yet, sometimes, these signs are overlooked. Was Pitocin increased despite signs of distress? Were there delays in performing a C-section? These decisions can mean the difference between a healthy baby and one with a life-altering injury. A term medical induction and now your baby has HIE and CP is a scenario that may have been preventable if warning signs were acted upon promptly.
Seeking Answers and Accountability
If your baby was diagnosed with HIE or CP after a term medical induction, you deserve answers. Was labor prolonged beyond what was safe? Were there delays in responding to complications? These questions matter because they can reveal whether the injury was preventable. Hospitals and doctors may claim the injury was unavoidable, but fetal monitoring records often tell a different story.
In cases like these, understanding the details of your labor and delivery is essential. If something feels off, trust your instincts. A term medical induction and now your baby has HIE and CP is a life-changing diagnosis, and you have the right to know if more could have been done to protect your child.
Marcus B. Boston, Esq.
9701 Apollo Dr. Suite 100
Largo, Maryland 20774
301-850-4832
1-833-4 BABY HELP