Last Updated on October 21, 2024

Failure to Address Fetal Distress

Fetal distress can occur during delivery and throughout pregnancy. It's one potential complication that medical professionals have trained to identify and address. Modern medical monitoring often detects signs of fetal distress early, allowing for interventions before serious problems develop.

By failing to address fetal distress properly, medical providers put babies at risk for serious long-term injuries. This negligence makes them legally liable for medical malpractice – especially if their actions/inactions deviate from the accepted standard of care and has resulted in severe birth injuries.

What is Fetal Distress?

Fetal distress is a condition where a fetus experiences inadequate oxygen supply during pregnancy or labor. It's characterized by abnormal fetal heart rate patterns and can be caused by various factors concerning the fetus, placenta, umbilical cord, or maternal health.[1] Let’s delve further into its risk factors.

Placental IssuesAbruption (separation of placenta from uterine wall)
Insufficiency (weak placental function)
Amniotic Fluid
Abnormalities
Oligohydramnios (too little amniotic fluid)
Polyhydramnios (too much amniotic fluid)
Umbilical Cord
Issues
Cord compression
Cord prolapse
True knots in the cord
Maternal Health ConditionsHypertension
Diabetes
Infections
Maternal Lifestyle FactorsSmoking
Drug abuse
Poor Nutrition
Pregnancy FactorsMultiple pregnancies (more than one baby in the womb)
Post-term pregnancy (those extending beyond 42 weeks)

Fetal distress is often caused by a combination of various risk factors. Multiple elements can interact to compromise fetal and maternal well-being. An interplay among these various risk factors can increase the likelihood of fetal distress occurring.

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Monitoring and Diagnosing Fetal Distress

Technically speaking, fetal distress occurs when the fetal heart is less than 100 or more than 180 beats per minute. Fluctuating fetal heart rate is also a sign of fetal distress.[2] However, fetal heart rate does not depict the entire scenario for either mother nor child. Medical teams must be able to monitor signs of abnormalities and discomfort – acting accordingly to avoid any adverse severe complications.[3] 

Other early signs medical teams look out for include:

  • Decreased fetal movement
  • Meconium-stained amniotic fluid
  • Maternal fever or signs of infection
  • Abnormal maternal blood pressure
  • Vaginal bleeding
  • Prolonged labor

Every fetus has compensatory mechanisms to redistribute blood flow and limit damage to vital organs during periods of oxygen limitation. However, if the asphyxia is severe or prolonged, these compensatory mechanisms can be overwhelmed, potentially leading to harm. Early detection and intervention is crucial. [4]

Potential Long-Term Complications

The severity and likelihood of the complications provided depend on the duration and intensity of the fetal distress. Prompt medical intervention can significantly reduce the risk of these long-term effects:

  • Cerebral palsy
  • Cognitive impairments
  • Epilepsy
  • Vision or hearing loss
  • Learning disabilities
  • Behavioral or emotional disorders
  • Organ damage (e.g., kidney, liver, heart)
  • In severe cases, even death
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Preventing and Managing Fetal Distress

During Pregnancy

Preventing fetal distress during pregnancy hinges on regular prenatal care – including monitoring maternal health and fetal development. Expectant mothers should do their best to maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoid harmful substances. Healthcare providers may use ultrasounds, non-stress tests, and biophysical profiles to detect any potential issues early.[1]

During Labor

Managing fetal distress during labor requires continuous monitoring of fetal heart rate and uterine contractions. Medical professionals should employ appropriate interventions (i.e., changing maternal position, providing oxygen, adjusting medication, or performing amnioinfusion, etc.) to avoid fetal distress. In cases of persistent distress, expedited delivery through assisted vaginal birth or emergency cesarean section may be necessary to ensure fetal safety. [4]

Speak to a Medical Malpractice Lawyer Today

At the Porter Law Group, our team of proven medical malpractice lawyers delivers ideal results. We take pride in helping families rebuild after unfavorable circumstances. We operate on a contingency basis – meaning you do not need to pay us anything unless we win your case. Through this approach, we can better support families during their times of need.

If you or a loved one has been a victim of medical malpractice, please reach out to us for a non-obligatory free case evaluation. You can also contact us at 833-PORTER9 or  info@porterlawteam.com to schedule a consultation.

Written By
Michael S. Porter
Personal Injury Attorney
Originally from Upstate New York, Mike built a distinguished legal career after graduating from Harvard University and earning his juris doctor degree from Syracuse University College of Law. He served as a Captain in the United States Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps, gaining expertise in trial work, and is now a respected trial attorney known for securing multiple million-dollar results for his clients while actively participating in legal organizations across Upstate NY.
Legally Reviewed on October 21, 2024
Eric C. Nordby
Personal Injury Attorney
Eric, with nearly three decades of experience in personal injury litigation, holds a law degree with honors from the University at Buffalo School of Law and a Bachelor's Degree from Cornell University. His extensive career encompasses diverse state and federal cases, resulting in substantial client recoveries, and he actively engages in legal associations while frequently lecturing on legal topics.
This Article Was Professionally Reviewed
This page was Legally Reviewed by Eric C. Nordby on October 21, 2024. Our experts verify everything you read to make sure it's up to date. For information on our content creation and review process read our editorial guidelines. If you notice an error or have any questions about our content please contact us.
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