The umbilical cord is a vital lifeline connecting a developing fetus to the placenta inside the mother's uterus. It typically contains two arteries that carry deoxygenated blood and waste from the fetus to the placenta; and one vein that carries oxygenated blood and nutrients from the placenta to the fetus.
This fetal organ begins to form around 5 weeks after conception. Its normal length is around 50 to 60 centimeters (about 20 to 24 inches), with a diameter of 1 centimeter (about 0.4 inches).
Umbilical cord complications can occur due to various natural factors – such as genetics, maternal health, excessive fetal movements, and multiple pregnancies, to name a few. Umbilical cord injuries, on the other hand, occur when doctors fail to diagnose and work around pre-existing complications properly. Any injuries incurred while under the care of a medical provider may be compensated through medical malpractice claims.
Is Your Child Injured Due to an Umbilical Cord Complication?
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Medical Negligence That Can Cause Umbilical Cord Injuries
Mishandled umbilical cord complications can lead to tragic outcomes. Its adverse long-term effects on infants include impairment of motor skills, neurological damage, and brain damage – even death in worse scenarios. Some negligent acts a medical team might commit include:
- Inadequate fetal monitoring
- Misreading test results
- Delayed response to distress
- Improper delivery methods
- Untimely C-section decisions
- Cord prolapse mismanagement
- Insufficient prenatal care
- Risky labor induction
- Missed diagnoses
- Poor staff communication
- Dismissing patient concerns
- Misuse of delivery tools
Medical providers must ensure the health and safety of both mother and baby throughout pregnancy and delivery. This involves careful monitoring, timely interventions, and skilled management of any complications that may arise. Negligent providers may be held accountable for any birth injuries they caused.
Types of Umbilical Cord Complications
Umbilical Cord Compression
The umbilical cord is squeezed, limiting the oxygen supply for the infant. This may happen during pregnancy or birth; and causes fetal distress if not treated properly. This can be caused by:
- Abnormal fetal position
- Oligohydramnios (low amniotic fluid)
- Multiple pregnancies
- Large fetus
- Prolonged labor
- Uterine contractions
- Maternal position during labor
Umbilical Cord Knot
The umbilical cord forms a knot, like in a shoelace. Most knots stay loose and don't cause problems, but if they tighten, they can reduce blood flow to the baby. This can be caused by:
- Excessive fetal movement
- Long umbilical cord
- Small fetus size
- Polyhydramnios (excess amniotic fluid)
- Multiple pregnancies
- Advanced maternal age
- Male fetus (slightly higher risk)
Umbilical Cord Prolapse
The umbilical cord slips out of the womb before the baby's birth. This can pinch the cord between the baby and the birth canal, cutting off the baby's oxygen supply. This can be caused by:
- Premature rupture of membranes
- Breech or transverse fetal position
- Multiple pregnancies
- Polyhydramnios (excess amniotic fluid)
- Long umbilical cord
- Artificial rupture of membranes
- Premature labor
Nuchal Cord
The umbilical cord wraps around the baby's neck in the womb. It's common and often harmless, but sometimes it can limit blood flow to the baby. This can be caused by:
- Excessive fetal movement
- Long umbilical cord
- Multiple loops around the neck
- Weak cord structure
- Polyhydramnios
- Multiple pregnancies
Vasa Previa
Blood vessels from the placenta or cord lie without protection. These fragile vessels can break during birth, causing the baby to lose blood quickly. This can be caused by:
- Low-lying placenta
- Multiple pregnancies
- In vitro fertilization
- Previous uterine surgery
Umbilical Cord Rupture
The umbilical cord tears, which is rare but very dangerous. It can happen on its own or due to rough handling during birth, causing the baby to lose blood rapidly. This can be caused by:
- Short umbilical cord
- Precipitous (rapid) labor
- Excessive traction during delivery
- Vasa Previa
- Umbilical cord cysts
- Umbilical cord hematoma
- Abnormal cord structure
Abnormal Cord Length
Very long cords can get tangled or come out before the baby. Short cords can limit the baby's movement and cause problems during birth. These can be caused by:
Long cord:
- Excessive fetal movement
- Polyhydramnios (excess fluid)
- Large fetus
- Maternal diabetes
- Male fetus (tendency for slightly longer cords)
Short cord:
- Limited fetal movement in utero
- Oligohydramnios (low fluid)
- Fetal malformations
- Multiple pregnancies
A recent study found this variation in stillbirth incidents: 48% showed compromised fetal microcirculation; 29% experienced cord entrapment: 27% had knots, torsions, or strictures; and 5% suffered cord prolapse.
Injured Child Needs Compensation and Assistance?
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Legal Compensation for Umbilical Cord Injuries
All medical expenses (past and future) are considered in a medical malpractice claim. In birth injury cases, compensation ensures that an injured child is provided with all the necessary support for their growth and development.
Apart from medical expenses, other economic and non-economic losses are also factored in. Lost income, emotional trauma, and decreased quality of life are some of the more common considerations. For actual compensation figures, please refer to our previous wins.
Speak to a Birth Injury 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.
