Welcoming parents with compassion and clarity is essential. The Waldorf fetal acidosis lawyers Jonathan Schochor and Kerry Staton understand how frightening it is to learn that a lack of oxygen harmed your newborn. We have spent decades investigating medical mistakes and forcing negligent providers to take responsibility.
A former client said it best:
“Remarkable group of attorneys. I would highly recommend SSGC. This firm goes above and beyond to provide exemplary service to victims of medical malpractice. They are very professional, authentic people who genuinely care about their clients.” – Jaime H.
If you suspect your child’s injuries are linked to fetal acidosis, call (410) 234-1000 now or fill out our secure form for a free, no-obligation consultation with our Waldorf fetal acidosis attorneys, Jonathan Schochor and Kerry Staton. We’ll review your records, explain your legal options in plain language, and start building a path toward the justice and resources your family deserves at no upfront cost to you.
What Is Fetal Acidosis?
Fetal acidosis is a condition in which excess acid accumulates in a baby’s bloodstream because oxygen is cut off during labor. When a fetus’s pH falls below roughly 7.35, cells begin to fail and organs suffer damage.
Doctors track fetal heart rate and may run an umbilical cord blood gas to confirm the diagnosis. Untreated acidosis progresses quickly to hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), cerebral palsy, or even death, making rapid intervention critical.
What Causes Fetal Acidosis During Childbirth?
Medical teams can usually prevent fetal acidosis with attentive care. When they do not, avoidable errors often include:
- Delayed Emergency C-Section
A timely cesarean is the standard response to persistent fetal distress. Waiting even minutes after clear warning signs can cause brain damage.
- Umbilical Cord Problems
A compressed, prolapsed, or nuchal cord starves the fetus of oxygen. Failure to reposition the mother, supply oxygen, or deliver immediately is negligence.
- Misread Fetal Heart Monitor
Continuous monitoring should alert staff to decelerations. Ignoring abnormal patterns leaves the baby hypoxic.
- Placental Insufficiency
Conditions such as preeclampsia or placental abruption demand heightened surveillance and swift delivery. Overlooking these red flags prolongs oxygen loss.
- Improper Use of Pitocin or Other Induction Drugs
Excessive contractions reduce placental blood flow. Hospital staff must adjust or discontinue medication the moment distress appears.
Every scenario above reflects a lapse in the accepted standard of care, making resulting injuries legally actionable.
Uncommon Fetal Acidosis Scenarios
Rare events still cause devastating harm when providers react too slowly:
- Maternal Hypotension or Anesthesia Errors – A sudden blood pressure crash can halt fetal oxygen delivery.
- Undetected Uterine Rupture or Placental Abruption – Catastrophic emergencies require immediate C-section.
- Untreated Maternal Infection – Severe chorioamnionitis inflames the uterus and compromises oxygen exchange.
- Prolonged Second Stage or Shoulder Dystocia – Extended compression or failed instrumental delivery increases acid buildup.
- Post-birth Negligence in the NICU – Inadequate ventilation or failure to treat neonatal anemia perpetuates acidosis after delivery.
These cases prove that any serious oversight, from prenatal care to newborn treatment, can leave a child permanently injured.
Signs and Consequences of Fetal Acidosis
Abnormal fetal heart tones, meconium-stained fluid, or a sudden drop in fetal movement during labor all warn that the baby is suffocating. After birth, low Apgar scores, seizures, or difficulty breathing confirm the crisis. Blood gas tests showing pH < 7.0 are direct evidence.
Prolonged acidosis often leads to HIE, cerebral palsy, seizure disorders, and developmental delays. Long-term care for a severely brain-injured child can cost millions of dollars over a lifetime and impose enormous emotional stress on parents who must modify homes, cut work hours, and plan for lifelong therapy.
