Birth injury lawsuits are medically complex and emotionally draining. Our Ellicott City birth injury attorneys at Schochor, Staton, Goldberg & Cardea, P.A. have handled these cases for decades.
Jonathan Schochor, Maryland fetal acidosis lawyer, and Kerry Staton, respected birth injury advocate, combine deep medical knowledge with proven courtroom skill. We know the local hospitals, the experts who testify here, and the procedural rules that shape Maryland malpractice claims.
Families from Historic Ellicott City to Dunloggin trust our team because we treat every parent with empathy while fighting relentlessly for justice. Working with us lets you focus on your child’s recovery while we handle the legal battle. Call Jonathan Schochor and our Ellicott City fetal acidosis legal team at (410) 234-1000 for a free, compassionate case review today.
What is fetal acidosis in a newborn?
Fetal acidosis is an unsafe drop in a baby’s blood pH caused by oxygen deprivation before or during birth. When cells run low on oxygen, acid builds up and becomes toxic. Doctors usually confirm acidosis with umbilical cord blood gas testing right after delivery.
Left unchecked, the condition can damage vital organs, especially the brain. Severe acidosis is a major warning sign for hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and can lead to lifelong disabilities such as cerebral palsy.
What causes fetal acidosis during labor and delivery?
Many delivery problems can choke off a baby’s oxygen supply:
- Umbilical cord problems – Compression, prolapse, true knots, or a tight nuchal cord cut off blood flow.
- Abnormal fetal position – Breech presentation or shoulder dystocia strains the cord and prolongs labor.
- Prolonged or hyper-stimulated labor – Excessive contractions from drugs like Pitocin exhaust the fetus.
- Placental issues – Abruption or placental insufficiency starve the baby of oxygen.
- Multiple births – Twins or triplets place extra demand on the placenta.
- Maternal health emergencies – Sudden low blood pressure or cardiac arrest reduces oxygen transfer.
Uncommon but serious triggers include uterine rupture, vasa previa, fetal stroke, severe fetal anemia, and tight true knots in the cord.
Skilled providers can spot these dangers early with continuous fetal heart monitoring and intervene before acidosis develops.
Could my doctor have prevented my baby’s fetal acidosis?
Yes, most fetal acidosis injuries are preventable with timely care. Continuous electronic monitoring reveals distress within seconds; a prompt change in the mother’s position, supplemental oxygen, or an emergency C-section often restores oxygen before permanent harm occurs.
When providers fail to act on clear warning signs, they fall below the accepted standard of care. Our investigation frequently uncovers delays that change a child’s life forever.
What injuries or long-term effects can fetal acidosis cause in a baby?
Oxygen deprivation endangers every organ, but the brain is most vulnerable:
- Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) – Ranges from temporary feeding issues to global brain injury.
- Cerebral palsy – Lifelong motor impairment, often spastic quadriplegia when damage is widespread.
- Seizure disorders – Neonatal or chronic epilepsy triggered by brain scarring.
- Developmental delays – Speech, cognition, and social milestones may lag.
- Physical disabilities – Weakness, paralysis, or poor coordination can require adaptive equipment.
Therapies, surgeries, and assistive devices create staggering lifelong costs. In the worst cases, severe acidosis can be fatal, turning a joyous event into a wrongful death claim.
