Reliable Fetal Acidosis Attorneys in Baltimore Maryland
Fetal acidosis is a condition in which an excessive amount of acid builds up in a baby’s blood while in utero, usually due to oxygen deprivation during birth.
Fetal acidosis is a potentially life-threatening condition that can result in serious injuries or death. If your child suffers from fetal acidosis as a result of medical negligence or incompetence, the Baltimore birth injury law firm of Schochor, Staton, Goldberg and Cardea, P.A. can help. Our attorneys have recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for clients whose children suffered crippling injuries or died as a result of fetal acidosis. Contact us to learn more.
What is Fetal Acidosis?
Fetal acidosis is defined as a baby’s blood pH falling below 7.35. When cells are deprived of oxygen, they release acid into the bloodstream, causing the pH to fall. Common causes of fetal acidosis include:
- Umbilical cord damage: compression or twisting of the umbilical cord during labor can keep oxygen and other nutrients from reaching the baby, causing a build-up of blood acid. Similarly, if the umbilical cord becomes wrapped around the baby’s neck during delivery, it can suppress the flow of oxygen to the baby.
- Placental insufficiency: the placenta, which transfers oxygen and nutrients from mother to fetus, may stop functioning properly due to many reasons, including age or infection.
- Obstructed delivery: various types of birth obstructions, such as macrosomia, shoulder dystocia, and cephalopelvic disproportion can result in the baby’s oxygen supply being cut off, resulting in fetal acidosis.