Tennessee Medical Malpractice Attorney Discusses Birth Injuries Caused By a Failure to Properly Monitor Fetal Heart Rates

In the days that lead up to a child’s birth, there is usually a feeling of excitement and anticipation.  However, for some parents, the delivery does not go as expected.  Instead of returning home with their baby, they are spending time in the neonatal intensive care unit because during the delivery something went wrong.  If this happens to you or if you think the care of your baby during labor and delivery was substandard, please call our experienced Tennessee medical malpractice attorneys for a free evaluation of your case today.

Fetal Distress

Most doctors use the term “fetal distress” in reference to insufficient oxygen reaching the fetus.  Fetal distress can occur during pregnancy or during labor and usually requires further explanation on the part of the doctor during their reporting, such as detailing the fetal heart rate.

Fetal distress can be contributed to by various factors; the two common causes prior to labor being vigorous fetal activity and placental abruption (the detachment of the placenta from the mother’s uterus).  A common cause of fetal distress during labor is umbilical cord compression that results when the umbilical cord wraps around a limb, neck, or other part of the infant.  While some instances may be caused by natural complications, other instances may be caused by Tennessee medical malpractice.

Recognizing Fetal Distress

There are several ways for doctors to determine whether a fetus is in distress.  The first involves the fetal monitor strip.  This strip provides the healthcare providers with a significant amount of information about the baby’s health.  There are two lines that track the progress on the baby’s delivery: the top strip for the baby’s heart rate and the bottom strip for the mother’s contractions.

When the baby is not appropriately monitored during pregnancy and labor, preventable birth injuries may result.  If not for fetal monitoring, the distress and complications may not otherwise be known.  Once known the doctor can then attempt to correct the complications with immediate medical attention.  However, if this information is overlooked, problems such as insufficient oxygen and umbilical cord complications are much more likely to lead to serious brain injuries and possibly even death of the infant.

When looking into a Tennessee birth injury case, the most important thing to examine is the fetal monitor strip.  Doctors and nurses who failed to monitor the strip may be held liable for any resulting injuries or death of the infant.  If a Tennessee doctor fails to monitor a child prior to and during labor, they may be found negligent and held liable for damages.

During labor, healthcare professionals are expected to:

• Measure the baby’s heart rate;
• Take ultrasounds;
• Check for abnormalities;
• Run fetal distress tests; and
• Make not of the mother’s testimonials about fetal movement.

How to Respond to Fetal Distress

There are several proactive measures a doctor can take to reduce fetal distress.  The first step is to shift the position of the mother to increase blood flow to the infant that may have been restricted when the mother was in a position that put too much pressure on blood vessels that supply the placenta.  Distress may also be caused by oxytocin use.  If this is the case the doctor should stop the infusion.  If the uterus is excessively contracting, a tocolytic drug can be used to ease contractions and create an opportunity for the flow of blood to return to normal.

The prompt response of the doctor is incredibly important to the successful navigation of fetal distress issues.  If the doctor is hesitant in acting birth injuries can result and the doctor may be held liable for those injuries.  It should also be noted that the nursing staff has a very strong obligation to monitor and protect the health of the mother and baby as well.

Here at Bailey and Greer, PLLC our Tennessee birth injury lawyers understand how to effectively pursue your claims.  Our legal team has a proven track record of compassionately representing our clients injured in Tennessee personal injury cases which is included in our testimonials page and our successful case results.  Please contact us today to receive your free case evaluation by dialing 901-680-9777.