Hypoxia is a medical condition in which a baby does not receive enough oxygen to their brain. It is a complication that can arise at any point in the labor and delivery process. There are a host of issues that can lead to hypoxia, such as infections and problems with the mother’s placenta, and Pennsylvania doctors should be on the lookout for them in order to prevent the babies they will deliver from suffering lifelong hypoxia-related harm.
A baby who suffers from hypoxia during labor and delivery can experience a range of possible harm. Mild cases of hypoxia may resolve and leave the children without any lingering symptoms. Babies who suffer moderate and severe hypoxia, however, can experience permanent and serious conditions such as cerebral palsy.
Doctors who properly monitor their labor and delivery patients can often stay ahead of possible cases of hypoxia and prevent the devastating harm that a lack of oxygen to babies’ brains can impose. A doctor who does not follow expected standards of care for their profession and who breaches their duty to their patient may be civilly liable for the losses suffered by the baby if they are born with a preventable hypoxia-related condition.
It is best for readers of this personal injury and medical malpractice legal blog to discuss their potential hypoxia cases with attorneys who understand the significance of this serious labor and delivery condition. While this posts does not contain any legal advice it is offered as information to individuals who are suffering with the aftermath of labor and delivery processes that resulted in children harmed by hypoxia.