Failure to Detect Fetal Distress

What Is Fetal Distress?

Fetal distress, or non-reassuring fetal status, is an uncommon complication of labor that refers to the presence of signs that suggest the fetus might not be doing well.

Fetal distress is often detected through fetal monitoring, which measures the heart rate, rhythm, and other functions of the fetus, including the presence or absence of accelerations and decelerations of the heartbeat. The term is often confused with birth asphyxia, which occurs when the baby does not have adequate amounts of oxygen before, during, or after labor.

What Causes Fetal Distress?

Fetal distress has numerous potential causes, including:

• Anemia
• Umbilical cord prolapse (umbilical cord moves though the birth canal before the fetus)
• Placental abruption
• Uterine rupture
• Eclampsia
• Preeclampsia
• Gestational diabetes
• Shoulder dystocia

What Happens if Doctors Fail to Detect Fetal Distress?

Failure to recognize or properly address fetal distress can have serious consequences, including:

• Asphyxia
• Cerebral palsy
• Cerebral ischemia
• Developmental delays

Contact a Birth Injury Attorney Today

If you believe that your child has been injured as a result of your doctor’s failure to detect fetal distress, 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 Wilson Keohe Winingham 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.

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