How Umbilical Cord Prolapse Can Lead To A Brain Injury (Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy)
A lack, or reduced level of blood and oxygen for the baby is one of the most serious threats associated with an umbilical cord prolapse. With that being said, the doctor must accurately diagnose umbilical cord prolapse and remain consistent within the standard of care. Failure to do so can lead to a brain injury.
If the umbilical cord delivers before the baby, cord compression can happen because when the umbilical cord contracts, the baby is moved down the birth canal. While the baby passes down the canal, pressure increases, and this same pressure can be placed on the umbilical cord. The baby’s head, or buttocks/feet during a breech delivery can place a considerable amount of pressure on the umbilical cord. This can ultimately lead not only to fetal hypoxia and hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), but also fetal death.
The electronic fetal heart monitor provides alerts to the doctors when the readings move from “reassuring” to “non-reassuring”. For instance, if the fetal heart rate has a sudden drop for an extended amount of time (bradycardia), blood and oxygen problems can be the result for the baby. Additionally, the strips may show late decelerations and minimal variability, among other items. The inability to see these signs along with taking the necessary precautions, can lead to a serious injury in the baby, like HIE and a subsequent cerebral palsy diagnosis, or death.
Quick Links
HIE
Cerebral Palsy
Meconium
FAQs
Resources
Glossary
Contact
Latest Articles
Two of the Hardest Conversations Families Face During Their Baby’s HIE Mediation
Preparing for Mediation Day If your family has filed an HIE birth injury claim and mediation is approaching, feeling anxious is normal. You may not know what to expect, and that uncertainty can be unsettling. The good news is your lawyers will be there...
My Baby Has Severe HIE What Should I Ask About The MRI?
My baby has severe HIE what should I as about the MRI? That question came from a viewer after one of my recent videos, and it’s one of the most important questions a family can ask. When a baby is diagnosed with severe HIE and undergoes cooling, the brain MRI...
Why Do I See So Many Babies With Cerebral Palsy After An HIE Diagnosis?
In a recent video, I explained that an HIE diagnosis does not automatically mean a baby will develop cerebral palsy. Afterward, I got a good follow up question. Someone wanted to know how often I actually see babies diagnosed with cerebral palsy after an HIE...
Does An HIE Diagnosis Mean My Baby Will Have Cerebral Palsy?
If you just heard the words hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy attached to your baby’s name, your mind is probably racing toward one question above all others. Does an HIE diagnosis mean my baby will have cerebral palsy? It is one of the first fears that...
Follow Us
Join Our Newsletter
ADVERTISEMENT. The information presented on this website should not be construed to be formal legal advice. The use of this website does not establish an attorney-client relationship; however, your responses here will be kept strictly confidential. Any results set forth herein are based upon the facts of that particular case and do not represent a promise or guarantee of future outcomes. Services not available in all states based on this communication. The attorneys of Boston Law Group, LLC have represented clients throughout the United States. They practice subject to court approval in states where they are not members of the bar. An attorney client relationship can only be created through a signed, executed engagement letter. Lawyers who will provide services advertised on this website and who are responsible for this website’s content are principally located at Boston Law Group, LLC, 9701 Apollo Drive, Suite 100, Largo, MD 20774.