Umbilical Cord Prolapse Birth Injury Claims
During pregnancy, the umbilical cord is the lifeline between the mother and the unborn baby. It transports nutrients and oxygen from the mother to the baby while removing waste products. Umbilical cord prolapse (UCP) is a complication that happens just before or during delivery. UCP is a dangerous condition that can have devastating consequences, but fortunately, this condition is rare. Estimates suggest that UCP occurs in about one in every 300 births. However, according to some studies, the rate is dropping, and this condition may happen in as few as one in one thousand births. UCP injuries can occur for unavoidable reasons, as well as preventable reasons or negligence. When UCP occurs due to medical negligence and causes harm, it’s vital to speak with a medical malpractice attorney. A skilled attorney can review your case and guide you on your legal options for holding the responsible parties liable.
Understanding Umbilical Cord Prolapse
During a typical delivery, the baby descends through the cervix and into the vagina, with the umbilical cord trailing behind. However, sometimes, the umbilical cord slips into the birth canal before the baby descends into it. This is known as umbilical cord prolapse or UCP. UCP poses a significant threat to the baby. Often, during a UCP, the cord is compressed between the baby’s body and the cervix or vagina, resulting in the baby struggling to get enough oxygen and blood to its vital organs. A prolapsed umbilical cord may create an emergency situation where the baby needs to be delivered immediately or by C-section to prevent cord compression.
Dangers of Umbilical Cord Prolapse
Any condition that squeezes or compresses the umbilical cord can cut off blood and oxygen flow to the baby. This can result in serious harm to the baby. The baby may suffer from fetal hypoxia (lack of oxygen in the blood), ischemia (lack of blood flow), cerebral palsy, and ultimately birth asphyxia (lack of enough oxygen and nutrients in the brain and other organs), resulting in hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), brain damage, or even death. Fast diagnosis and intervention is crucial for preventing serious harm to the baby or death. A common sign of umbilical cord compression is the baby’s heart rate slowing down in an irregular pattern.
What Causes Umbilical Cord Prolapse?
The following are some of the common causes of UCP:
- Breech delivery
- Premature rupture of membranes (PROM), which is when the “water” breaks early
- Being pregnant with twins or more than two babies
- Prematurity
- The baby being small for their gestational age
- Long umbilical cord
- Excess amniotic fluid
Preventable medical errors can also lead to UCP injuries. Examples include the following:
- Improper handling of breech position
- Inadequate monitoring of fetal distress
- Improper use of medical instruments such as a vacuum extractor or forceps
- Failure to monitor high-risk pregnancies
- Ignoring the mother’s complaints
Medical professionals are required to uphold a certain standard of care. Failure to do so can result in harm. When that happens, the patient or their family can file a medical malpractice claim and seek justice and compensation.
Legal Help Is Available
If your child has suffered harm due to umbilical cord prolapse, contact our skilled Atlanta birth injury attorney at Carroll Law Firm for help determining if you have a valid malpractice case. If you do, we can help you fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Source:
my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12345-umbilical-cord-prolapse#:~:text=How%20common%20is,in%201%2C000%20births.
