Contact WKW
Our Address
2859 N. Meridian St.
Indianapolis, IN 46208
Office
317.920.6400
Free Case Evaluation
317.920.6400
Blog Birth Asphyxia: Signs, Causes, and Effects
Request a Free ConsultationUpdated April 21, 2021 | By Wilson Kehoe Winingham staff
Asphyxia is a condition arising when the body is deprived of oxygen, and birth asphyxia occurs when a baby does not receive enough oxygen before, during, or directly after birth.
Birth asphyxia is the 5th largest cause of infant mortality, and it occurs in around 4 of every 1,000 full-term births globally. Getting the right treatment as soon as possible is critical, as it can reduce the chances of short-term damage, long-term damage, and even infant mortality.
Birth asphyxia can be detected through certain signs before, during, and after labor. Some of these signs include:
There are many reasons that birth asphyxia occurs. However, the most common causes of birth asphyxia include:
Birth asphyxia can have serious effects, such as:
Mild cases of birth asphyxia are treated with breathing support until the baby can breathe well enough without that support. Babies with more serious cases may require a breathing machine, respiratory therapy, fluids, or medicines. In extreme cases, more advances techniques may be required, such as: high-frequency ventilation, inhaled nitric acid, controlled hypothermia, and more.
If birth asphyxia is not identified and addressed quickly, your child has a greater chance of being permanently disabled or injured. If your doctor could have done more to prevent birth asphyxia and the associated damages, your doctor could be held legally responsible. Medical records and facts are used to determine whether or not your doctor is responsible, even in part, for such injuries associated with birth asphyxia.
If you believe that your child has been injured as a result of birth asphyxia, your first step is to reach out to a birth injury lawyer. An Indianapolis birth injury lawyer and staff can help you build a case and get you and your child the help you need.
With a strong and trustworthy attorney, you’ll have someone advocating for what’s rightfully yours. Contact WKW for a consultation to decide how to best move forward with your case. Call 317.920.6400 or fill out an online contact form for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
Our client was induced for labor at 40 weeks and two days gestation. She presented somewhat tenuously, and, despite red flags, she continued to receive…
Parents want their children to be happy and healthy. They trust doctors, nurses, and other medical staff to provide the best care at every stage…
About 70 percent of pregnant women take at least one prescription drug during pregnancy, but not all prescription medicines are safe to use during pregnancy.…
Let WKW put our experience to work for you. Contact us for your free case evaluation.
Or, call us today at (317) 920-6400