Fetal acidosis is a sudden medical crisis that can leave parents reeling. The condition signals that a newborn’s blood has turned dangerously acidic because oxygen ran low at a critical moment. The shock, fear, and confusion are overwhelming in those first frantic hours. We understand that urgency and the lifelong questions that follow.
At Schochor, Staton, Goldberg & Cardea, P.A., we stand beside Towson families facing this nightmare. Towson fetal acidosis lawyer Jonathan Schochor and Baltimore birth-injury attorney Kerry Staton have helped hundreds of parents find answers and justice. Call (410) 234-1000 now for a free, confidential consultation. Your baby’s future is too important to wait.
Who Are Our Towson Birth-Injury Attorneys?
Our team is led by Towson birth-injury lawyer Jonathan Schochor and Towson fetal acidosis attorney Kerry Staton. Together they bring more than four decades of focused birth-injury litigation to every case. They have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars, including record-setting verdicts for oxygen-deprivation injuries.
Clients meet directly with an attorney because compassion is central to our practice. From our Baltimore office, just minutes down I-83 from Towson, our Towson fetal acidosis attorneys at Schochor, Staton, Goldberg and Cardea serve families statewide.
“SSGC provided exceptional service with a perfect balance of professionalism and personable care. Their knowledgeable team explained every detail clearly, leaving no question unanswered. Their attention to detail and commitment to client success set them apart. Highly recommended for anyone seeking expert, legal guidance. Unmatched representation!” – David V.
What Is Fetal Acidosis and How Does It Occur?
Fetal acidosis occurs when a baby’s blood pH falls below about 7.2 and lactate skyrockets because oxygen supply was interrupted. Normally, oxygen flows from mother to fetus through the placenta, while carbon dioxide returns to the mother. When that exchange stops, through a compressed cord, placental abruption, or stalled labor, acid builds quickly and can injure delicate brain tissue. Fetal acidosis is dangerous because it can trigger permanent brain damage or death within minutes.
Common and Uncommon Factors That Cause Fetal Acidosis
Common causes
- Umbilical cord compression, prolapse, or a tight nuchal cord
- Placental abruption or insufficiency
- Prolonged or obstructed labor, including shoulder dystocia
- Multiple births sharing oxygen supply
- Macrosomia that complicates delivery
Uncommon or negligent scenarios
- Excessive Pitocin causing hyper-contractions
- Untreated maternal hypotension or severe preeclampsia
- Delayed C-section after non-reassuring heart tones
- Misread or ignored fetal-monitor strips
- Misuse of vacuum extractors or forceps
Medical standards require vigilant monitoring and rapid intervention. When providers fall short, tragedy follows.
Signs and Long-Term Effects of Fetal Acidosis
Low Apgar scores, bluish skin, weak muscle tone, or seizures at birth often warn of acidosis. Blood-gas tests from the umbilical cord confirm the low pH and high lactate. Newborns typically enter the NICU for oxygen support or cooling therapy.
If oxygen deprivation lasts, the child may develop hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), cerebral palsy, seizure disorders, organ damage, or profound developmental delays. Many will need therapy, adaptive equipment, and specialized care for a lifetime, a lifespan that may be full but requires continuous support.
