Fetal distress is a broad label used to refer to a birth complication that indicates a problem with the health of the fetus. It can happen suddenly during an otherwise normal pregnancy, and it can be the result of a number of factors. Although there are a number of possible outcomes related to a birth injury, if the situation is not remedied in a quick and competent manner, the newborn may suffer serious injuries including brain damage and physical injuries that may be permanent.

Causes of fetal distress

There are a number of common causes of fetal distress, which include hypoxia (low oxygen), diabetes in the mother, umbilical cord problems, prolonged labor, and shoulder dystocia. Doctors must take precaution to identify high-risk pregnancies and labors in order to reduce the risk of fetal distress in these cases. Although if a doctor identifies a high-risk delivery before fetal distress takes place this can be advantageous and can help prevent complications, complications can also be prevented even if the fetal distress is not foreseeable.

Doctors and medical personnel must respond quickly at the first sign of trouble; they may need to perform an emergency c-section in order to prevent a possible permanent injury. When medical professionals do not fulfill their duties and this negligence results in fetal distress, they may be able to be held liable for the resulting birth injuries.

Potentially severe side effects of fetal distress may include brain damage, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, organ failure, and stillborn birth, among others.

Parents file birth injury lawsuits

Fetal distress can cause devastating consequences, and it may be possible for parents to seek compensation with the help of birth injury lawyers. Filing suit against the doctors or hospital responsible can help win a family restitution, and can also help them deal with the significant burdens that medical malpractice resulting in birth injury can cause.

The lawyers at Balkin & Eisbrough are knowledgable about the medical issues and standard procedures necessary to file one of these lawsuits. Parents with any questions should contact us; there is no fee unless you win damages.