The first moments after a difficult birth can be overwhelming. Jonathan Schochor and Kerry Staton have guided Maryland parents through these crises for more than 35 years. Our team has recovered hundreds of millions for children harmed by oxygen deprivation injuries, and we do it with empathy, grit, and meticulous preparation. We meet Severn families in their homes, at UM Baltimore Washington Medical Center, or virtually, and we charge no fee unless we win.
“Kerry Staton and Josh Kahn handled my case extremely well. From the first contact up to the outcome, along with team (sic), they were very professional and provided great counsel.” –Laetitia March-Nulton
If your newborn shows signs of acidemia, call (410) 234-1000 for a free consultation with a Severn birth injury attorney today.
What Is Fetal Acidosis?
Fetal acidosis is a dangerous drop in a baby’s blood pH below about 7.35 caused by oxygen deprivation. The condition develops when contractions, cord problems, or placental issues interrupt blood flow and allow acidic waste to build in the bloodstream. Severe or prolonged acidosis can injure the brain within minutes, making rapid medical intervention essential.
What Causes Fetal Acidosis During Childbirth?
Fetal acidosis almost always starts with reduced oxygen. Common delivery-room causes include:
- Umbilical cord complications – compression, prolapse, or a tight nuchal cord that strangles oxygen flow.
- Placental insufficiency or abruption – an aging or detached placenta starves the fetus of blood.
- Prolonged or obstructed labor – macrosomia, shoulder dystocia, or cephalopelvic disproportion traps the baby and squeezes the cord.
- Abnormal fetal position – breech or transverse presentations delay delivery.
- Multiple births – twins or triplets increase hypoxia risk.
- Maternal blood-pressure crises – untreated pre-eclampsia or epidural-related hypotension slashes placental perfusion.
Skilled obstetric staff can foresee these dangers and act, often with an emergency C-section, before acidosis becomes permanent injury.
Are There Uncommon Triggers of Fetal Acidosis?
Rare obstetric catastrophes can also spark acidemia:
- Uterine rupture tears the womb and halts oxygen in seconds.
- Vasa previa places fragile fetal vessels across the cervix that may rupture during labor.
- Severe chorioamnionitis inflames membranes and compromises oxygen exchange.
- True cord knots tighten during contractions.
- Maternal cardiac arrest or trauma abruptly ends placental flow.
A Severn fetal acidosis attorney knows how to trace each of these rare paths to liability when providers fail to respond.
What Signs Should Doctors Watch For?
Abnormal data should never be ignored. Warning signs include:
- Non-reassuring fetal heart tracings—persistent late decelerations or bradycardia.
- Decreased fetal movement reported by Mom.
- Meconium-stained amniotic fluid indicating fetal stress.
Diagnosis is confirmed through fetal scalp blood gas sampling during labor or umbilical cord blood gases after birth. A low pH or high lactate signals toxic acidity.
