The umbilical cord provides a lifeline between mother and baby, delivering vital oxygen and nutrients. However, if this cord becomes knotted, it can restrict this essential blood flow and put the infant at risk. Understanding this condition and how it happens can help you determine if a medical provider’s actions led to your baby’s birth injuries.
If your child suffered a preventable birth injury due to negligent management of umbilical cord complications, speak with a Chicago birth injury lawyer from Beam Legal Team. We can help your family seek the compensation you deserve.
What Causes an Umbilical Cord Knot?
An umbilical cord knot occurs when the cord twists or loops around itself, forming a knot. True knots are rare, appearing in about 0.4 to 1.2% of pregnancies, with the highest risk in identical twins or when the cord is too long.
They often begin in the first trimester when the fetus has space to move, making it possible to loop the cord around parts of its body. As the pregnancy progresses and the fetus grows, the space inside the womb becomes tighter, which can cause these loops to tighten into knots.
If umbilical cord knots tighten and are improperly managed by healthcare providers, they can cut off the supply of blood and oxygen to the fetus. This can lead to potential risks such as:
- Brain damage or hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) from oxygen deprivation
- Neural tube defects and developmental disorders
- Physical deformities
- Cerebral palsy
- Seizure disorders
- Stunted growth and development
- Stillbirth
Monitoring and Addressing Umbilical Cord Issues in Pregnancy and Delivery
Standard OB/GYN care requires providers to carefully monitor for umbilical cord complications and take swift action to address knots when identified. This should include the following actions during pregnancy and delivery:
- Regular Ultrasound Scans: These scans help visualize the umbilical cord and detect knots or loops. Providers may increase the frequency of ultrasounds if a knot is detected to monitor its status.
- Targeted Fetal Monitoring: If medical providers suspect an umbilical cord complication, they may recommend more frequent and targeted fetal heart rate monitoring. During labor, it’s crucial to immediately address sudden changes that could indicate distress.
- Strategic Delivery Planning: For pregnancies complicated by umbilical cord issues, such as tight knots or entanglements, providers might plan a cesarean delivery to reduce the risk of cord-related complications during birth.
- Detailed Risk Assessment and Counseling: Providers should evaluate personal risk factors, including expecting multiples or having a history of umbilical cord issues. Parents should receive counseling and detailed information about specific risks and the measures being implemented to manage them effectively.
- Immediate Intervention During Labor: Healthcare providers should quickly respond with intervention techniques when detecting fetal distress. This can include repositioning the mother, administering medications to improve fetal oxygenation, or performing an emergency cesarean delivery to address umbilical cord complications.
When Can an Umbilical Cord Injury be Related to Medical Malpractice?
Failing to properly identify, monitor, and treat umbilical cord knots or compression can lead to life-altering birth injuries like HIE. Your baby may have suffered a preventable injury if you notice the following behaviors by the hospital, nursing team, or provider during your pregnancy or delivery:
- Skipped or infrequent ultrasound scans.
- Unaddressed unusual fetal movements you reported.
- Ignored signs of your baby’s distress.
- Delays in critical responses during labor, such as performing a C-section or repositioning to relieve cord pressure.
- Unclear explanation or poor communication during procedures.
- No emergency actions taken despite apparent fetal distress.
- Confusion or disorganization visible among the medical staff.
- Dismissal of your concerns or symptoms.
- Disregard for established guidelines on umbilical cord issues.
Our birth injury attorneys at Beam Legal Team have more than three decades of combined experience investigating, proving, and litigating complex medical negligence cases. We can help you determine if medical negligence caused your baby’s injuries and build a strong case on your family’s behalf.
With our knowledgeable and experienced team, you can secure the compensation needed for a lifetime of care for your baby.
Hold Negligent Providers Accountable After Umbilical Cord Complications
If your joy over an eagerly awaited newborn turned to tragedy because of untreated umbilical cord complications, you have a right to answers and justice. The Chicago birth injury lawyers at Beam Legal Team provide compassionate support and relentless legal advocacy.
Contact us today for a free and confidential case evaluation. We can review the details of your pregnancy, labor, and delivery experience and consult with experts to win your case and secure your baby’s future.
