Hypoxia and hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) are terms for an infant deprived of oxygen before birth, during the birthing process, or after. This lack of oxygen results in a brain injury. An infant with oxygen deprivation may suffer from birth injuries, including cerebral palsy, hearing loss, and intellectual disabilities. Medical professionals don’t always put their best foot forward in diagnosing and treating HIE, and severe injury or death can occur without careful monitoring.
The most common signs of hypoxia during or prior to labor are a slow heart rate and decreased fetal movement. Medical intervention can often prevent serious injury if these signs are detected early. For example, if a baby is not getting enough oxygen during labor, the doctor may decide to perform an emergency C-section. Prompt intervention can often minimize the severity of the damage or prevent it altogether. In cases where damage has occurred, various therapies and treatments can help improve the child’s quality of life if the OBGYN takes action quickly enough.
What are the signs and symptoms of hypoxia in infants?
Lack of oxygen to the developing baby, known as hypoxia, can result in several severe and permanent birth injuries. Medical professionals must be vigilant for signs of hypoxia before and after the child is born. An erratic or irregular heart rate is one of the earliest signs of a baby struggling to breathe. Therefore, doctors should closely monitor the fetal heart rate during labor and after delivery to ensure that the newborn receives adequate oxygen.
Other signs of hypoxia in newborns include the following:
- A lack of fetal movement
- Lethargy or fatigue
- Bluish or pale skin tone
- Weak muscle tone
- Poor reflexes
- Weak / no cry
- Difficulty breathing
- Neonatal seizures
- Acidosis (too much acid in the blood)
- Meconium in the amniotic fluid
Is there treatment for HIE?
Infants who experience oxygen deprivation during labor may suffer a brain injury. One treatment option is therapeutic hypothermia or brain cooling. The cooling treatment is one of the most common procedures, and by lowering the infant’s body temperature, the infant may experience a reduction in brain damage.
Other treatments for hypoxic brain injuries at birth can include:
- Prescription drugs (blood pressure)
- Assisted breathing
- Dialysis
- Heart pumps.
- Breathing tubs
- Seizure-inhibitor medications
Of course, as the saying goes, “prevention is the best cure.” If a medical professional fails to prevent hypoxia during labor or delivery, prompt treatment can help minimize the damage and improve outcomes for the infant.
If you suspect medical negligence that caused your child’s HIE diagnosis or brain injury, contact our attorneys today
Please contact us today if you believe your child’s HIE or brain damage was caused by medical negligence. We understand the pain and devastation that this condition can cause, and we want to help you seek justice. We have experienced attorneys who specialize in helping families affected by HIE.
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