The Silver Spring fetal acidosis attorneys at Schochor, Staton, Goldberg and Cardea, P.A. have been fighting for injured children since 1984. Founding partners Jonathan Schochor and Kerry Staton lead a team that has recovered more than $1 billion for victims of medical malpractice. We understand how terrifying it is to hear that a lack of oxygen harmed your newborn.
Our lawyers shoulder the legal burden so you can focus on your child’s healing. Although our main office is in Baltimore, we routinely serve families in Downtown Silver Spring, Four Corners, White Oak, and Takoma Park, and we can meet you virtually or in person within minutes of I-495.
Call our Silver Spring fetal acidosis lawyers for a free, confidential consultation at (410) 234-1000, or contact us online 24/7. We’re ready to listen, explain your options, and fight for the justice and resources your family deserves, and you pay nothing unless we win.
What is fetal acidosis and how can it harm my baby?
Fetal acidosis occurs when a baby’s blood pH falls below 7.35 because oxygen levels drop during pregnancy, labor, or delivery. Even brief hypoxia can trigger metabolic changes that injure delicate brain tissue. Consequences may include hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), cerebral palsy, seizures, or organ damage. In severe cases, the condition is fatal. Parents hear the term “acidosis” and fear the worst; knowing the risks helps you demand answers and the best possible care.
What are the common causes of fetal acidosis in newborns?
Fetal acidosis usually happens when something blocks or reduces the baby’s oxygen supply:
- Umbilical cord problems such as compression, true knots, prolapse, or a nuchal cord can suddenly cut off oxygen.
- Placental abruption or insufficiency limits the transfer of oxygen and nutrients, often linked to preeclampsia or maternal hypertension.
- Prolonged or obstructed labor—shoulder dystocia, fetal macrosomia, or cephalopelvic disproportion can stress a baby without timely C-section backup.
- Multiple births increase the chance that one twin’s cord or placenta will fail to deliver adequate oxygen.
- Rare maternal crises like uterine rupture, severe hypotension, or massive hemorrhage deprive the fetus of blood flow within minutes.
Each scenario demands rapid intervention. Without it, acid builds in the bloodstream and permanent injury may follow.
What are the warning signs of fetal acidosis (fetal distress) during labor?
Obstetric teams rely on real-time clues that a baby is struggling:
- Abnormal fetal heart rate patterns—bradycardia, tachycardia, or late decelerations signal oxygen deprivation.
- Meconium-stained amniotic fluid shows a stressed infant may have passed stool in utero.
- Decreased fetal movement late in pregnancy or during labor often means the baby is conserving energy because oxygen is low.
- Maternal red flags—stalled labor, excessive contractions from Pitocin, or unexplained bleeding warrant immediate evaluation.
Trained professionals should act the moment these red lights flash.
How should doctors prevent and treat fetal acidosis?
Good obstetric care stops acidosis before damage sets in. Providers must:
- Give maternal oxygen and IV fluids to boost placental blood flow.
- Reposition the mother to relieve umbilical cord compression.
- Order an emergency C-section without delay if distress persists.
- Stabilize the newborn with therapeutic hypothermia, breathing support, and seizure control when acidosis is confirmed.
Prompt action can mean the difference between a healthy life and lifelong disability. When these steps are skipped or delayed, malpractice may be to blame.
How can medical negligence cause fetal acidosis and birth injuries?
Fetal acidosis alone is not proof of malpractice, but many injuries stem from preventable errors:
- Failure to monitor fetal heart-rate tracings or maternal vitals.
- Delayed C-section after obvious distress.
- Over-use or misuse of Pitocin causing hyper-stimulation of the uterus.
- Ignoring alarms or abnormal test results, including absent scalp-pH checks.
- Neglecting maternal conditions such as infection or high blood pressure that endanger oxygen flow.
When Silver Spring healthcare providers deviate from accepted standards and your child suffers acidosis and injury, our lawyers build a malpractice claim to hold them accountable.
