The umbilical cord is the physical attachment between mother and child. It delivers oxygenated and nutrient-rich blood from the placenta and low-oxygen, nutrient-depleted blood back to the placenta. It plays an extremely important role in fetal development, and when issues arise with it during pregnancy or labor, it can cause serious complications, including disabling or fatal injuries to the child.
One of the most dangerous problems that can arise with the umbilical cord is prolapse. Although it’s rare, occurring in only around one in 500 deliveries, it’s a medical emergency that must be addressed right away during labor. When doctors and other healthcare professionals wait too long to treat it, or fail to detect it, it can result in life-threatening complications for babies.
In this blog, we’ll explain the basics of umbilical cord prolapse, its causes, who can be held liable, and how an experienced birth injury attorney can help.
How Does Umbilical Cord Prolapse Occur?
Umbilical cord prolapse occurs when the umbilical cord drops (prolapses) through the open cervix into the vagina ahead of the baby during delivery.
This situation is an obstetric emergency because the prolapsed cord can become compressed by the baby’s body during birth, significantly reducing or cutting off blood flow and oxygen to the baby. Immediate medical intervention is required to prevent severe complications, including brain damage or death.
How Is Umbilical Cord Prolapse Treated?
When doctors diagnose umbilical cord prolapse during labor, different interventions may be used to ensure the safety of both the mother and baby.
One of the first actions taken is to relieve pressure on the prolapsed cord, which may involve the healthcare provider manually lifting the baby’s presenting part (often the head) away from the cord. This maneuver is typically performed while preparing for an immediate delivery, usually by Cesarean section (C-section), to quickly alleviate the risk to the baby.
The use of warm, sterile saline to fill the bladder via a catheter can also help elevate the presenting fetal part off the cord, a technique known as amnioinfusion if done through the amniotic cavity. This intervention may decrease the need for an emergency C-section by temporarily relieving pressure on the cord until a more definitive delivery method can be safely achieved.
Throughout this process, continuous fetal monitoring is essential to assess the baby’s well-being and ensure that immediate actions are taken if fetal distress is detected.
What Are the Causes of Umbilical Cord Prolapse?
Several factors increase the risk of umbilical cord prolapse, including:
- Artificial Rupture of Membranes: Procedures to speed up labor can inadvertently lead to prolapse if not managed carefully.
- Breech Position: Babies not in the head-first position may contribute to the cord slipping past.
- Excessive Amniotic Fluid: Known as polyhydramnios, this condition provides more space for the cord to move, which is a risk factor for prolapse.
- Low Birth Weight: Smaller babies are less likely to fill the birth canal, allowing more room for the cord to prolapse.
- Multiple Pregnancies: Carrying more than one baby increases the chance of prolapse.
- Premature Birth: Babies born before 37 weeks are at a higher risk of umbilical cord prolapse.
If the delivering doctor is aware than any of the above conditions apply, they should be prepared to act quickly if umbilical cord prolapse occurs. If they fail to do so, it may be considered medical negligence.
What Injuries Can Umbilical Cord Prolapse Cause?
Umbilical cord prolapse can lead to several serious injuries to the baby due to the sudden decrease or cessation of oxygen and nutrients to the baby, which are vital for the infant’s survival and health. These injuries can include:
- Brain Damage: Prolonged oxygen deprivation can cause permanent damage to the brain, affecting cognitive function, motor skills, and neurological development.
- Fetal Acidosis: This condition occurs when there is an accumulation of acid in the baby’s blood, caused by a prolonged lack of oxygen. It can lead to severe complications or death if not quickly corrected.
- Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE): This condition results from a lack of oxygen (hypoxia) and blood flow (ischemia) to the baby’s brain. HIE can lead to developmental delays, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and learning disabilities.
- Stillbirth: In severe cases, if the prolapse is not promptly and effectively managed, it can lead to the tragic outcome of stillbirth.
Who Can Be Held Liable for an Umbilical Cord Prolapse Injury?
Liability in cases of umbilical cord prolapse can be complex, as multiple parties may share liability. Potential liable parties may include:
- Hospitals and Birthing Centers: Facilities can be responsible for systemic failures, such as inadequate training or understaffing, that contribute to the mishandling of such emergencies.
- Obstetricians and Other Attending Healthcare Professionals: If there’s a failure to detect or appropriately respond to a prolapsed umbilical cord, these healthcare professionals may be held liable.
Determining liability requires a full investigation into the medical care provided before, during, and immediately after the incident. Documentation, expert testimony, and adherence to medical standards play crucial roles in these cases.
How an Attorney Can Help
Families affected by umbilical cord prolapse may feel overwhelmed by the emotional, physical, and financial toll. Here’s how the Chicago birth injury lawyers at Beam Legal Team can assist during this difficult time:
- Case Evaluation: We can provide a comprehensive assessment of your case, outlining your legal options.
- Gathering Evidence: Our attorneys can collect medical records, witness statements, and expert opinions to build a strong case.
- Determining Liability: We have the experience to identify the responsible parties and understand the nuances of medical malpractice law.
- Negotiating Compensation: Our lawyers can negotiate with insurance companies and opposing counsel to secure fair compensation for medical expenses, ongoing care, pain and suffering, and other damages.
- Litigation: Our legal team can represent you in court if a settlement can’t be reached with the at-fault party.
Contact Our Chicago Birth Injury Attorneys Today
Umbilical cord prolapse is a serious medical emergency that requires immediate and competent medical intervention. Understanding the causes and potential for liability is crucial for families who have experienced this traumatic event.
If you or a loved one has been affected by this devastating condition, remember that you have rights and legal options. Contact the Chicago birth injury lawyers at Beam Legal Team today for a free consultation. Your call or form submission can be the first step toward securing the compensation and support you deserve.
