Learning that your baby had a nuchal cord at birth and now has a diagnosis like HIE or cerebral palsy can leave you with many questions. Many parents are told the umbilical cord being wrapped around the baby’s neck was simply unavoidable. But while nuchal cords are common and often harmless, they don’t always explain the full picture. Can the umbilical cord around the neck cause a brain injury? The truth is more complex, and in some cases, medical mistakes may have played a role.
Understanding Nuchal Cords and Brain Injuries
A nuchal cord means the umbilical cord was wrapped around the baby’s neck during delivery. In most cases, this does not cause harm because the baby’s body can handle some pressure on the cord. However, problems can develop if medical providers fail to recognize or respond to signs of distress during labor. Early monitoring may show a normal heart rate, but as labor continues, concerning patterns like late decelerations or prolonged drops in heart rate can indicate oxygen deprivation. If these warning signs are ignored, a nuchal cord can contribute to a preventable brain injury.
Can The Umbilical Cord Around The Neck Cause A Brain Injury?
The critical factor is not just the presence of the nuchal cord but how the medical team managed it. If a baby was growing normally during pregnancy with typical weight and head size at birth, this suggests the injury likely occurred during labor and delivery. When doctors delay necessary interventions like an emergency C-section despite signs of distress, what could have been a safe delivery may result in a lifelong condition.
Seeking Answers and Accountability
Parents trust doctors and nurses to monitor their baby closely and take action when needed. If you were told the nuchal cord was the sole cause of your child’s injury, reviewing medical records may reveal whether missed opportunities for intervention played a role. Can the umbilical cord around the neck cause a brain injury? Yes, but often it is the failure to act promptly that turns a manageable situation into a devastating outcome.
Families deserve to know the full truth about what happened during delivery. If medical negligence contributes to your child’s injury, understanding your legal options can help you seek justice and secure the resources your child needs for the future. To speak with me further about your baby’s HIE brain injury at birth, or subsequent CP diagnosis, contact me at my contact info below.
Marcus B. Boston, Esq.
9701 Apollo Dr. Suite 100
Largo, Maryland 20774
301-850-4832
1-833-4 BABY HELP
