Last Updated on August 27, 2024

Meconium Aspiration Syndrome Caused by Medical Negligence

Meconium aspiration occurs when a newborn inhales meconium (early fetal stool, usually dark green and sticky) into their lungs around the time of birth. Typically, meconium is passed after birth. But in some cases – especially during fetal distress – it can be released into the amniotic fluid before or during labor. In such cases, meconium is likely to be inhaled by infants.

Meconium aspiration can lead to several respiratory-related complications. Lack of oxygen in newborns is highly dangerous and can lead to long-term neurological injuries. Given how rapid brain development is in infants, ensuring that they can breathe properly is crucial for their proper growth.

While meconium aspiration can occur even when mothers and infants are given proper medical care, negligence increases its chance. Healthcare providers have the responsibility to identify underlying labor risk-factors and to effectively manage labor distress should they arise. Any birth injuries incurred while under the professional care constitutes medical malpractice – warranting accountability and compensation.

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Is Meconium Aspiration Medical Malpractice?

Early meconium release occurs in about 12-20% of deliveries; even up to 40% for post-dated births. While meconium release signifies that an infant's gastrointestinal functions are mature and intact, having meconium release early exposes infants to potential health complications. These include:

  • Respiratory distress
  • Pneumonia
  • Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN)
  • Chemical pneumonitis (inflammation of lung tissue)
  • Surfactant inactivation (leading to collapsed air sacs in the lungs)
  • Brain damage
  • Death (in rare cases)

While meconium aspiration in itself does not immediately qualify as a medical practice, it could be a telltale sign that a labor was mismanaged. Medical teams must respond to this event properly to avoid or mitigate any injuries from developing. 

One in every 10 infants involved in a meconium aspiration incident is currently suffering from its adverse side-effects.  If any subsequent birth injuries follow the meconium aspiration, then you have grounds to establish a medical malpractice claim against your doctor. 

What is the Most Common Cause of Meconium Aspiration?

Healthcare providers have a responsibility to identify and monitor risk factors for meconium aspiration. Even prior to the actual labor, they must properly conduct thorough prenatal care and risk assessments. Several factors can increase the risk of meconium aspiration during birth:

  • Post-term pregnancy (beyond 40 weeks gestation)
  • Maternal hypertension or diabetes
  • Difficult or prolonged labor
  • Maternal infection
  • Umbilical cord issues
  • Placental insufficiency
  • Oligohydramnios (low amniotic fluid)
  • Previous cesarean delivery

Healthcare providers should be particularly vigilant when these risk factors are present. They should monitor the labor process closely and be prepared to intervene if signs of fetal distress appear.

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Symptoms of Meconium Aspiration in Infants

Healthcare providers should monitor newborns closely for signs of aspiration, especially if meconium was present during delivery. Infants having a bluish skin color; difficulty in breathing; and exhibiting limpness are some of the obvious signs of aspiration. Doctors must act promptly and accordingly to avoid any potential long-term complications from this event.

Doctors consider the presence of meconium-stained amniotic fluid during delivery and assess the newborn for signs of respiratory distress. Chest X-rays are crucial – often showing patchy infiltrates or hyperinflation. Blood gas analysis may reveal respiratory acidosis, while blood tests can indicate infection. The infant's Apgar scores (assessment after the first 5 minutes) and overall clinical presentation also play important roles in confirming the diagnosis.

Establishing Your Claim and Getting Compensated

Through legal compensations, families suffering from the adverse effects of meconium aspiration syndrome may recuperate better. Such compensations can account for all medical and practical support an affected child might need for their development. 

To establish a medical malpractice claim, your legal counsel would need to investigate four key elements:

1. Duty of Care – Was there an appropriate doctor-patient relationship?
2. Breach of Duty – Did your doctor perform poorly/negligently based on accepted standards of care?
3. Causation – Did your doctor’s actions/inactions directly cause you harm?
4. Damages – What did these errors cost you?

All medical expenses (past and future) are considered in a medical malpractice claim. 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.

Written By
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.
Legally Reviewed on August 26, 2024
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.
This Article Was Professionally Reviewed
This page was Legally Reviewed by Michael S. Porter on August 26, 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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