If your baby has been deprived of oxygen during childbirth or you suspect fetal acidosis may be a factor in their health complications, it's natural to feel a mix of fear, confusion, and heartbreak. You're likely overwhelmed by unanswered questions and deeply concerned about what this diagnosis means for yourchild's immediate careand long-term well-being.

These feelings are valid, and it's important to know you're not alone in this journey.

Parents in this situation often face not only theemotional strain but also the challenge of understanding medical terms and processes. You may be wondering how this happened and whether it could have been prevented. Seeking answers is the first step toward making informed decisions for your child's care and holding the responsible parties accountable.

What is Fetal Acidosis?

Fetal acidosis is a medical condition where a baby's blood becomes excessively acidic due to a lack of oxygen during labor or delivery. This imbalance in pH levels can indicate serious stress on the baby, often resulting from complications like prolonged labor, placental issues, or umbilical cord problems.

Early detection and treatment of fetal acidosis are vital to minimize potential harm.

Do I have a medical malpractice claim for perinatal acidosis?

Determining whether you have a medical malpractice claim for perinatal acidosis hinges on specific factors. For a successful claim, you need to establish that medical professionals failed to meet the standard of care during pregnancy, labor, or delivery, and that this negligence directly caused fetal acidosis as a result.

Key elements include:

• Proof of a doctor-patient relationship: You must show that the healthcare provider owed you and your baby a duty of care during labor and delivery.
• Breach of the standard of care: This occurs when a medical professional acts—or fails to act—in a way that other competent professionals would in similar circumstances. Examples include delayed response to fetal distress or improper use of medical tools.
• Causation: It must be demonstrated that the breach directly caused or worsened your baby's condition, such as resulting in perinatal acidosis.
• Measurable harm: This involves showing that your child suffered injuries or long-term complications due to the negligence, such as developmental delays or other medical conditions linked to oxygen deprivation.

Filing a claim can be a complex process, but our lawyers can help you secure the resources needed for your child's care and hold negligent parties accountable.

Reach out to our Baltimore birth asphyxia attorney for expert legal advice regarding a potential claim.

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Common signs of fetal acidosis

Fetal acidosis can manifest in several ways, often requiring prompt evaluation and intervention by healthcare providers:

• Anemia or other blood disorders: Low red blood cell count or oxygen-carrying capacity can result from underlying complications associated with acidosis.
• Elevated lactate levels: Increased lactic acid in the baby's blood may indicate prolonged oxygen deprivation and metabolic imbalance.
• Fatigue and muscle weakness: Reduced energy or floppiness in a newborn can signal impaired oxygen supply during delivery.
• Fetal distress: Irregular heart rate patterns or decreased movement during labor may be early indicators of oxygen insufficiency.
• Low Apgar score: A score of less than 7 at one or five minutes post-delivery suggests potential complications, including oxygen deprivation.
• Oral motor dysfunction: Difficulty with feeding, such as poor sucking or swallowing reflexes, may indicate neurological effects of acidosis.
• Pain and irritability: Signs of discomfort or abnormal crying can be linked to stress or physical complications after birth.
• Respiratory distress: Rapid breathing, grunting, or difficulty maintaining oxygen levels are common indicators of an oxygenation issue.

Acidosis in newborn baby treatments

The treatment of fetal acidosis is determined by the baby's condition at birth. If a baby is not breathing at birth, immediate interventions such as oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation may be required to stabilize them. Additional treatments may be implemented as the condition is diagnosed and managed after birth:

• Repositioning the baby or mother: Adjusting the mother's position during labor can improve blood flow to the placenta, enhancing oxygen delivery to the baby.
• Oxygen therapy: Providing oxygen to the mother increases the oxygen supply available to the baby via the placenta.
• Expedited delivery: If fetal distress persists, a cesarean section or assisted vaginal delivery may be necessary to minimize further oxygen deprivation.
• IV fluids: Administering intravenous fluids to the baby can help stabilize hydration and correct metabolic imbalances caused by acidosis.
• Therapeutic hypothermia: Cooling the baby's body temperature shortly after delivery reduces the risk of neurological damage associated with oxygen deprivation.
• Medications: Specific drugs may be used to manage complications such as low blood pressure, infections, or other conditions linked to acidosis.
• Blood transfusions: If anemia or significant blood loss is contributing to acidosis, a transfusion may be required to improve oxygen transport.

Long-term consequences of fetal acidemia

Fetal acidemia can lead to a wide range of long-term complications affecting various aspects of a child's physical, neurological, and emotional development.

Neurological and Cognitive Issues

• Brain damage: Prolonged oxygen deprivation can cause permanent damage to brain tissue, impacting both cognitive and motor functions.
• Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE): A severe form of brain injury resulting from oxygen deprivation, which can lead to cognitive, motor, and developmental impairments.
• Learning disabilities: Children may experience challenges in reading, writing, or processing information due to neurological damage.
• Seizure disorders: Neurological injury increases the risk of epilepsy or recurring seizures, often requiring long-term management.

Motor and Physical Disabilities

• Cerebral palsy: Damage to motor control centers in the brain can result in impaired movement, muscle stiffness, and coordination issues.
• Paralysis: Severe damage to the brain or spinal cord may cause partial or complete loss of motor function.
• Developmental delays: Delays in reaching physical milestones like sitting, walking, or grasping objects are common with neurological injuries.
• Growth delays: Physical growth may be stunted due to metabolic or organ system damage.

Sensory Impairments

• Blindness or vision impairments: Damage to the optic nerves or brain regions responsible for vision can lead to reduced sight or total blindness.
• Hearing loss: Injuries to the auditory system may result in partial or total hearing impairment.

Organ and Systemic Damage

• Organ damage: Prolonged oxygen deprivation can harm vital organs like the heart, liver, kidneys, or lungs, leading to chronic health conditions.
• Chronic respiratory issues: Damage to the lungs may result in ongoing breathing problems or a higher risk of respiratory infections.
• Immune system deficiencies: Stress and organ damage during critical developmental stages can weaken the immune system, increasing vulnerability to infections.

Behavioral and Emotional Issues

• Behavioral and emotional disorders: Conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, or mood disorders can develop due to brain damage or trauma.
• Psychological trauma: The stress of medical treatments and health challenges can contribute to emotional difficulties later in life.

Feeding and Digestive Challenges

• Oral motor dysfunction: Neurological impairments can cause difficulties with feeding, swallowing, or sucking, often requiring specialized care.
• Feeding and swallowing difficulties: Persistent challenges with eating or digestion may arise from physical or neurological complications.

Indicators that acidosis in babies was caused by medical malpractice

Fetal metabolic acidemia can sometimes result from negligence during pregnancy, labor, or delivery. Below are examples of medical errors that could contribute to this condition:

• Neglecting essential tests: Failure to perform necessary tests, such as fetal blood sampling or ultrasounds, can prevent early detection of oxygen deprivation or other risks.
• Improper use or malfunctioning monitoring equipment: Using faulty or incorrectly applied fetal monitors can lead to missed or inaccurate readings of fetal distress, delaying critical interventions.
• Failing to manage oxygen-related conditions: Conditions like placental abruption, umbilical cord compression, or maternal preeclampsia require immediate attention to protect the baby's oxygen supply.
• Omitting oxygen supplementation: Not providing oxygen to a distressed mother during labor or to the baby after delivery can worsen oxygen deprivation and lead to metabolic acidosis.
• Misjudging the baby's size or position: Failing to accurately assess the baby's size or position can result in delivery complications, such as shoulder dystocia, increasing the risk of oxygen deprivation.
• Delaying critical delivery procedures: Postponing or failing to perform a cesarean section or assisted delivery when medically necessary can prolong oxygen deprivation and lead to acidosis.

If you suspect that medical malpractice may have contributed to your baby's condition, consulting our Baltimore birth injury lawyers can help you explore your legal options.

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Potential Settlement Amount for Newborn Acidosis

Settlements for newborn acidosis claims can range from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars, depending on the severity of the injuries and the circumstances of the case. These amounts are often intended to cover medical expenses, long-term care, lost future income, and pain and suffering.

Factors that impact settlement amounts include:

• Severity of the injury: Cases involving severe brain damage, cerebral palsy, or other life-altering conditions typically result in higher settlement amounts due to extensive medical needs and long-term care costs.
• Future medical expenses: The cost of ongoing treatments, therapy, and adaptive equipment can significantly increase the compensation awarded.
• Loss of future earning capacity: If the injury limits the child's ability to work or earn a living in adulthood, this financial loss will be factored into the settlement.
• Pain and suffering: Non-economic damages, including emotional distress and diminished quality of life, often contribute to the overall amount.
• Evidence of negligence: Strong evidence showing medical malpractice or negligence can lead to higher settlements, especially if the healthcare provider's actions were egregious.
• Maryland damage caps: In Maryland, there is a cap on non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, in medical malpractice cases. For cases filed in 2024, the cap is approximately $875,000, but it may increase if multiple claims are filed for the same incident. This cap does not limit economic damages, such as medical expenses or lost earning potential.

Why hire Frank Spector for expert legal advice

If you suspect that medical malpractice caused your baby's fetal acidosis, having the right legal support is vital for securing justice and financial recovery. Frank Spector is not only a compassionate advocate but also a qualified attorney with over 30 years of dedication to helping families affected by medical malpractice and birth injuries.

• Proven results: Frank Spector has held hospitals and healthcare providers accountable, including representing over 400 patients in a landmark $190 million case against Johns Hopkins.
• Personalized care: When you reach out, you'll speak directly with Frank—not an assistant or call center. He takes the time to listen patiently to your story, understand your unique challenges, and guide you step-by-step through the legal process.
• Unwavering commitment: Frank combines his legal expertise with genuine compassion, ensuring you feel supported every step of the way.

Phone: Call us at 443-845-1456 to speak directly with our team.

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