Marginal cord insertion (MCI) is a complication that can occur naturally during pregnancies, With significant threats to the well-being of both mother and child, doctors must properly manage MCI. Families suffering from birth injuries are entitled to compensation; and may be awarded through a medical malpractice claim.
Injured from Mismanaged MCI?
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What is Marginal Cord Insertion?
Marginal cord insertion is a placental abnormality wherein the umbilical cord attaches within 2cm near the edge of the placenta, rather than centrally. It is a relatively rare disorder that can occur in up to 7.2% of all pregnancies; with its prevalence being notably lower in bigger sample sizes. [1][3][4]
Early diagnosis and management of this condition are important; otherwise it will cause other pregnancy complications.[1] MCI significantly promotes various long-term birth injuries.[3]
Through proper monitoring and planning, affected pregnancies can still have normal vaginal deliveries. However, normal deliveries may only be done if the condition does not worsen.[2] Doctors must properly educate mothers on their condition and inform them of their medical options.
Complications Associated with Marginal Cord Insertion
Through various studies, researchers found that MCI also leads to other pregnancy complications. Said complications include:[3]
- Small for Gestational Age (SGA) – 25% higher relative to normal insertions
- Preeclampsia – 61% higher
- Placental abruption – 53% higher
- Stillbirth – 97% higher
- Preterm delivery – 47% higher
Pregnancies with marginal cord insertions are considered high-risk, especially when all other potential accompanying complications are considered. Affected pregnancies are often met with special deliveries and intensive post-delivery care.
Diagnosing the Condition
While there are often no noticeable signs, MCI can be caught during routine ultrasound screenings. During examinations, doctors can also suspect MCI through the following symptoms:
- Decreased fetal movement
- Smaller than expected fetal size
- Bleeding during pregnancy
- Reduced amniotic fluid
- Abnormal fetal heart rate patterns
Abnormal cord insertions may be diagnosed as early as the 16th week of gestation. Imaging tests (i.e., ultrasound or MRI) are the most reliable basis for any medical diagnosis.
Potential Long-term Impairments
Marginal Cord insertion, along with its accompanying complications, can lead to adverse life-altering injuries for both mother and child. These include (but are not limited to):
For Children
- Developmental delays
- Stunted grow
- Neurological damages
- Sensory impairments (i.e., blindness, deafness, etc.)
- Learning disabilities
- Physical disabilities
For Mothers
- Increased chance for complications in future pregnancies
- Reduced reproductive capacity
- Chronic pains
- Recurring infections
- Emotional and psychological trauma
All injuries endured by either mother or child are accounted for in medical malpractice claims.
Seeking Medical Compensation?
We help families hold negligent doctors accountable. Clients do not pay anything unless we win.
Compensation for Mismanaged Cord Insertions
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. Injured mothers must also be allowed to return to their healthiest state.
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.
According to the National Practitioner Data Bank, in 2023, medical malpractice cases in New York were settled at about $492,476 on average. However, based on our experience, cases involving birth injuries are compensated with much more. For actual compensation figures, please refer to our previous wins.
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.
