Maryland Fetal Monitoring Errors Lawyer
During labor, medical professionals are supposed to rely upon the unborn baby’s heart rate to monitor how they are tolerating the mother’s contractions. There are two types of fetal monitoring methods: internal and external. Internal monitoring involves attaching an electrode to a baby’s scalp when the baby’s head is engaged in the birth canal. External monitoring uses a belt that is strapped around a mother’s abdomen. This belt records the mother’s contractions as well as the baby’s heart rate.
A normal fetal heart rate is between 110 and 160 beats per minute. Fluctuations in the fetal heart rate are referred to as variability. A certain level of variability is to be expected, especially during contractions. For example, the baby’s heart rate may drop slightly during the contraction but then return to normal once the contraction has ended. This shows that the baby has sufficient oxygen to withstand the labor and delivery process.
Non-reassuring fetal heart patterns occur when the baby is experiencing a heart rate greater than 160 beats per minute or lower than 110 beats per minute for long periods of time.
These are signs of fetal distress. When the baby lacks oxygen during pregnancy or childbirth, the baby is said to be experiencing fetal distress. When fetal distress is present, the doctor must implement immediate measures to avoid harm to the child. When the doctor fails to do so, they can be held liable for medical malpractice. If your baby has been harmed by this negligence, seek legal help from the Maryland fetal monitoring error lawyers at Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman
Common Fetal Monitoring Errors
Doctors and nurses may make mistakes while monitoring the fetus. Examples of fetal monitoring errors include:
- Failure to properly identify abnormal fetal heart rhythms
- Lack of training and/or experience in the use and interpretation of a fetal heart monitor
- Failure to determine whether a woman requires more regular or continuous fetal monitoring
- Use of an improperly working fetal monitoring device
- Failure to correctly use a fetal monitor
- Doctors’ failure to take immediate medical action when the fetus is showing signs of fetal distress
- Incorrectly reading a fetal monitor to distinguish between maternal and fetal heart rates
Possible Complications
When a baby is improperly monitored during labor and delivery, it can cause serious and even life-threatening injuries to both the mother and her baby. Possible complications include:
- Placental abruption
- Hypoxia/apoxia
- Cerebral palsy
- Paralysis
- Brain damage
- Developmental delays
- Stillbirth
Contact Us Today
Fetal monitoring is important during pregnancy. When a doctor fails to provide treatment to a fetus that is in obvious distress, it can lead to serious complications for the baby.
If your doctor failed to properly monitor your unborn baby and they suffered complications as a result, seek legal help from the experienced Maryland personal injury lawyers at Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman. We can help you obtain compensation from the liable parties. Schedule a consultation with our office today by calling (410) 567-0800.
