Jonathan Schochor and Kerry Staton have built careers standing up for children injured by medical negligence. Our Frederick fetal acidosis lawyer team pairs more than 80 years of combined courtroom experience with a deep bench of medical experts.
Parents choose us because we have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for babies harmed by oxygen deprivation injuries, including fetal acidosis. We approach every claim with empathy, recognizing how isolating and frightening a neonatal diagnosis feels.
Call our Frederick fetal acidosis attorney team at (410) 234-1000 for a free, no-obligation case review. From the first call, we explain the law in clear language, outline next steps, and assign a dedicated medical investigator so you never feel alone.
“I had a great experience with Mr. Jim Cardea and his team. They were very knowledgeable of my situation and provided great service to me and my family from beginning to end. I highly recommend them for any medical malpractice lawsuit. Satisfaction guaranteed!” – Kiantay P.
What is fetal acidosis and how does it happen?
Fetal acidosis is a dangerous drop in a newborn’s blood pH caused by a lack of oxygen during labor or delivery.
When the fetus cannot get enough oxygen, its cells switch to anaerobic metabolism and create lactic acid, driving the pH below 7.35.
This condition is a form of birth asphyxia. Prolonged acidosis can injure brain tissue and trigger hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy or cerebral palsy. Prompt detection through cord-blood gas testing, fetal heart monitoring, and immediate neonatal resuscitation prevents permanent damage. Sadly, many cases arise when providers ignore clear warning signs.
What are the common causes of fetal acidosis?
Medical teams must safeguard the baby’s oxygen supply. Breakdowns usually involve:
- Umbilical cord compression or prolapse that pinches blood flow.
- Abnormal presentations or multiple births—a breech or twin delivery can delay descent.
- Obstructed labor, such as shoulder dystocia or cephalopelvic disproportion.
- Placental failure, including abruptio placentae or chronic insufficiency.
- Maternal complications, like untreated infection or massive bleeding, that reduce fetal oxygen.
Each scenario is predictable and manageable with vigilant monitoring and timely intervention, which is why negligence is often at play.
What are some uncommon causes of fetal acidosis?
Occasionally, rarer events deprive a fetus of oxygen:
- Severe maternal hypotension after an excessive epidural dose.
- Sudden uterine rupture or catastrophic placental abruption.
- True knots or undiagnosed prolapsed umbilical cords.
- Advanced preeclampsia or maternal heart-lung disease restricting oxygen.
- Fetal blood disorders or critical congenital heart defects.
Although infrequent, skilled obstetric teams are trained to anticipate and respond to these crises.
What are the signs of fetal acidosis in a newborn?
New parents often sense something is wrong before doctors confirm it.
- Immediately after birth: limp muscle tone, weak breathing, low Apgar scores, or seizures.
- Labor indications: late decelerations or absent variability on fetal heart tracings, or markedly reduced fetal movement in late pregnancy.
- Laboratory evidence: cord-blood pH below 7.0 or a base deficit greater than 12 mmol/L.
- Early infancy clues: feeding difficulty, abnormal reflexes, or missed motor milestones.
Swift neonatal care, including cooling therapy, can lessen brain injury, underscoring the need for rapid diagnosis.
