No parent, in Louisiana or elsewhere, likes to think of everything that can go wrong during the birthing process. While the vast majority of babies are delivered without significant issue, there are others who suffer medical events due to medical malpractice that results in severe birth injury. Fetal oxygen deprivation, for instance, happens, but it can be avoided or quickly corrected if the proper actions are taken in a timely manner.
Asphyxia neonatorum is when an unborn child does not receive adequate oxygen during the birthing process. The biggest indicator that a fetus is suffering from such a condition is its heart rate. A heart rate that is either too high or too low suggests that the baby is in distress, and swift action may be necessary to resolve the matter.
Of course, sometimes, symptoms of oxygen deprivation may not be present until after the child is born. Common symptoms include blue or pale skin, breathing difficulties, poor muscle tone and slower than usual heart rate. When a baby goes without sufficient oxygen for so long, it can trigger failure of or injury to the:
- Brain
- Lungs
- Kidneys
- Heart
Injuries to these major organs can, if severe enough, have life-long — if not fatal — consequences for the child. No parent wants to see their child suffer or lose their child the same day or soon after he or she enters the world. Sadly, it happens, and sometimes it is the result of a medical negligence-related birth injury. Those in Louisiana who believe that their child was the victim of medical malpractice may have legal recourse. Civil claims may be filed against all those deemed responsible in an effort to seek compensation for any recoverable losses.
Source: healthline.com, “Asphyxia Neonatorum“, Rachel Nall, RN, BSN, Accessed on Nov. 8, 2017