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Can a Fetus Get Brain Damage from a Lack of Oxygen?


Most expecting parents think of pregnancy as a joyous time. Whether you are having your first child or adding to your growing family, pregnancy is meant to be a happy time for all. However, not every parent has the same experiences while pregnant. Some have very smooth, uneventful pregnancies, while others experience serious complications. In some very unfortunate cases, an unborn fetus may experience a lack of oxygen and suffer serious injuries, including brain damage.

Oxygen is crucial to the health of a fetus during pregnancy. If the flow of oxygen is hindered or cut off completely, brain damage is a possible result. Every case is different, with some fetuses suffering greatly while others suffer only mild injuries. Your physician should be monitoring your health and the health of your baby during your pregnancy to prevent complications like this. If your physician acted negligently, they could be liable for your child’s brain damage.

If your child was born with brain damage after experiencing a lack of oxygen, you should consult with an attorney about the possibility of a lawsuit. Our Baltimore birth injury attorneys can help you get compensation if your doctor is to blame for your child’s injuries. Call Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291 to set up a confidential legal consultation free of charge.

Brain Damage in Fetuses from a Lack of Oxygen

Brain damage in fetuses can come from a number of different factors or complications. However, one of the more commonly known complications that cause brain damage is a lack of oxygen.

Oxygen is vital for healthy fetal development. When the oxygen is restricted, brain damage can occur in only a few short minutes. the longer a fetus goes without oxygen, the more significant the brain damage can be. In extreme cases, a fetus does not survive oxygen deprivation.

Restricted oxygen flow to a fetus is often referred to as asphyxiation during birth. the extent of brain damage will depend on numerous health factors, including how restricted the flow of oxygen was and how long it was restricted. When oxygen is only partially impeded, brain damage may not result right away but could occur if left unchecked. If oxygen is completely stopped, brain damage can occur in only a few minutes. In either case, brain damage could result in serious disabilities or medical conditions that will affect the health and life of your newborn.

Consult with our Baltimore brain injury attorneys about your case. If you believe your physician played a role in causing your child brain damage, we can help you file a lawsuit and get the compensation you need to take care of your baby.

What Causes a Lack of Oxygen in Fetuses?

Asphyxiation at birth may stem from any number of causes. Sometimes, asphyxiation is caused before or during birth. Other times, the complications arise shortly after the baby is delivered. it can be difficult to tell exactly when the asphyxiation happened or what caused it if your doctor is not monitoring your baby’s health properly. In such cases, a doctor’s negligence may be the cause of injuries to a fetus.

When asphyxiation happens before or during birth, the causes of the oxygen restriction may be connected to the mother’s health. For example, if a mother has low oxygen levels in her blood or has low blood pressure, the flow of oxygen to the fetus could be compromised. Also, if there is a problem with the placenta during the pregnancy, the flow of oxygen to the fetus could be impaired as the placenta is necessary to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the fetus.

After a baby is born, they could experience asphyxiation from other complications. If a newborn experiences severe anemia or low blood pressure after birth, the amount of oxygen going to the brain will be reduced. Heart and lung issues could also hinder the blood flow and oxygen in the baby and cause brain damage.

Your physician should closely watch these medical conditions and complications throughout your pregnancy and during birth. If your doctor fails to spot these issues and your child suffers brain damage from a lack of oxygen, you may have grounds for a lawsuit. Alternatively, if your physician knew about these complications or conditions and did nothing or provided inadequate treatment, they may be held liable. Contact our Maryland attorneys for birth asphyxiation brain damage for help.

Possible Complications from Brain Damage Due to a Lack of Oxygen

Asphyxia during birth can lead to multiple complications and disabilities. the most glaring concern of birth asphyxia is brain damage. The effects of brain damage can be difficult to predict, and each fetus could be affected differently. Sometimes, treatment is delivered quickly, and extensive damage is avoided. Other times, the asphyxiation is missed, or treatment is delayed, and the brain damage can be severe or even fatal.

Cerebral palsy is commonly associated with brain damage due to asphyxiation during birth. However, the condition could be caused by other birth or pregnancy complications too. Cerebral palsy is a collection of physical disorders and disabilities that may impair a person’s movement and motor skills. Cerebral palsy may be very severe and can have a life-long impact.

Other complications from brain damage due to a lack of oxygen include neurological disorders such as chronic seizures. Not only that, but babies who suffer brain damage from a lack of oxygen often experience developmental delays throughout their lives. The precise effects of asphyxiation at birth may not reveal themselves until months or even years after your baby is born. Our birth injury attorneys can help you hold negligent doctors accountable.

Contact Our Birth Injury Attorneys for Help

Our birth injury lawyers can help you get compensation for your damages. Call Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291 to set up a free, confidential legal consultation.