Ask any expecting parent whether they’re hoping for a boy or a girl, and most will tell you it doesn’t matter as long as the baby is healthy.
Monitoring the vital signs of the mother and baby during delivery helps to ensure a healthy birthing experience. Therefore, when a baby shows signs of fetal distress, it’s a red flag that something is going wrong.
Warning signs and injuries that could result
Fetal distress refers to signs that a baby is struggling inside the womb, usually indicated by an abnormal heartbeat. Certain patterns require immediate attention, such as:
- Prolonged decelerations
- Tachycardia (abnormally fast heart rate)
- Bradycardia (unusually slow heart rate)
- Late decelerations with contractions
Such patterns typically indicate oxygen deprivation or problems with the umbilical cord or placenta.
Other signs of fetal distress include:
- Decreased fetal movement
- Meconium (stool) in the amniotic fluid
- Maternal bleeding
- Abnormal levels of amniotic fluid
If hospitals and obstetric teams fail to recognize or ignore these signs of fetal distress, babies can suffer severe and permanent injuries. Babies may experience:
- Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE): brain injury caused by inadequate oxygen and blood flow, resulting in developmental delays, seizures or cognitive impairments.
- Cerebral palsy: Cerebral palsy is linked to oxygen deprivation during labor and affects movement, muscle tone and motor skills.
- Brachial plexus injuries: Improper delivery techniques can damage the nerves controlling the arm and shoulder.
- Organ damage: Low oxygen levels can damage the heart, kidneys and other vital organs.
In the most tragic cases, the failure to respond can result in the loss of the child.
Following established standards of care means monitoring the mother and baby, appropriately interpreting fetal heart tracings and responding to signs of distress.
If a child shows symptoms of a birth injury, the parents have a right to know what went wrong. Having experienced legal guidance can help families secure compensation for medical treatment, therapies and long-term care.