The birth of a child should be joyful. Sometimes it becomes heartbreaking when medical mistakes cause fetal acidosis. Attorney Jonathan Schochor, attorney Kerry Staton, and the Bethesda fetal acidosis lawyers at Schochor, Staton, Goldberg and Cardea, P.A. have guided Maryland families through these crises since 1984.
Our team has recovered millions for children hurt by oxygen deprivation while treating every client with dignity and empathy. We offer free consultations, listen to your story, and explain your rights in clear language. Call (410) 234-1000 now to speak directly with Bethesda fetal acidosis attorneys Jonathan Schochor or Kerry Staton.
What Is Fetal Acidosis?
Fetal acidosis is an unsafe drop in a newborn’s blood pH below 7.35. The condition develops when limited oxygen forces fetal cells to produce lactic acid. Doctors classify the problem as respiratory or metabolic, but either form can injure the brain within minutes.
What Causes Fetal Acidosis in Newborns?
Umbilical cord compression, placental abruption, prolonged labor, and misuse of labor-inducing drugs are leading culprits. Maternal health crises such as severe hypotension or hemorrhage can also cut oxygen flow. The Bethesda birth-injury attorneys at our firm often discover that providers missed early warnings or delayed an emergency Cesarean when one of these risks emerged.
Warning Signs of Fetal Distress or Acidosis During Labor
Abnormal fetal heart rate patterns are the most reliable danger signal. Late decelerations, reduced variability, or bradycardia on the monitor demand immediate action. Decreased fetal movement, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, and excessive uterine contractions further warn that the baby is acidotic and needs help now.
How Is Fetal Acidosis Treated or Managed by Doctors?
Prompt oxygen for the mother, IV fluids, and repositioning are first-line steps. If heart-rate tracings do not improve within minutes, an emergency C-section is the accepted standard of care. After delivery, neonatologists may use cooling therapy, ventilation, or seizure control to limit lasting injury.
Injuries or Long-Term Effects Caused by Fetal Acidosis
Oxygen deprivation can trigger hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy that later presents as cerebral palsy, cognitive delays, or epilepsy. Motor disorders, organ damage, vision or hearing loss, and even neonatal death can follow severe acidemia. Our Maryland fetal acidosis lawyers calculate the lifetime cost of these outcomes so families secure funds for therapy, equipment, and in-home care.
Rare or Unusual Complications Related to Fetal Acidosis
Chronic in-utero acidosis from placental insufficiency, twin-to-twin transfusion, maternal-fetal hemorrhage, and anesthesia-related hypotension are uncommon but devastating scenarios. Attorney Jonathan Schochor works with obstetric and neonatal experts to investigate these complex cases. Attorney Kerry Staton then presents the medical science in court so juries grasp exactly what went wrong.
How Medical Negligence Leads to Fetal Acidosis
Negligence occurs when professionals ignore monitor alarms, misinterpret tracings, overuse Pitocin, or delay a necessary C-section. The Bethesda fetal acidosis attorneys at our firm prove malpractice by showing a duty of care, a breach of that duty, direct causation, and measurable damages.
Could My Doctor Have Prevented My Baby’s Fetal Acidosis?
Many cases are preventable with vigilant monitoring and timely delivery. If a provider waited twenty extra minutes before surgery despite clear distress, earlier action likely would have preserved normal oxygenation. Our team pinpoints that critical moment using strip reviews and expert testimony.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Birth Injury Caused by Fetal Acidosis?
Obstetricians, labor-and-delivery nurses, anesthesiologists, hospitals, and medical practice groups may share responsibility. Under Maryland respondeat superior rules, a hospital can be held liable for the negligent actions of its employees. We sue every party whose error contributed to your child’s harm.
