Washington, D.C. Umbilical Cord Compression Lawyers

Umbilical cord compression reduces blood and oxygen flow to the baby from the mother. It is a serious complication that can lead to severe birth injuries, including brain damage and stillbirth. In some instances, compression resolves on its own, but most require medical intervention. Medical professionals who fail to recognize or treat umbilical cord compression can put your baby at risk of serious, lifelong complications.

At the Law Offices of Dr. Michael M. Wilson, M.D., J.D. & Associates, we understand the devastating impact that umbilical cord compression can have on both mothers and infants during pregnancy and childbirth. Our team is uniquely experienced in both medicine and law. It is dedicated to holding healthcare providers accountable for this preventable condition and to helping recover the compensation your family deserves.

What Causes Umbilical Cord Compression?

The umbilical cord is the baby’s lifeline. Conditions that compress, squeeze, or kink the umbilical cord can cut off the critical blood and oxygen flow, often requiring immediate intervention. Some potential causes of umbilical cord compression include:

Umbilical Cord Prolapse: This occurs when the cord slips into the birth canal ahead of or alongside the baby, cutting off oxygen as the baby moves through the passage. This situation typically requires emergency cesarean section delivery.
Nuchal Cord: This condition restricts blood flow when the cord wraps around the baby’s neck, usually as the baby moves through a loop in the cord.
Umbilical Knot: Knots can form in the cord when the baby moves, especially early in pregnancy when the baby is smaller and more mobile within the amniotic sac.

Are There Risk Factors Associated with Umbilical Cord Compression?

Various risk factors can complicate pregnancy or delivery, potentially causing umbilical cord compression. Awareness of these factors is crucial for early detection and intervention to prevent serious complications. Common risk factors include:

Malpresentation: When the baby is not positioned head-down in the birth canal. Positions may include:
- Breech: Baby descends feet-first.
- Transverse Lie: Baby is positioned sideways.
- Oblique Lie: Baby is diagonal, with the head near the mother’s hip.
- Unstable Lie: Baby’s position changes frequently during the last two to three weeks of pregnancy.
Premature rupture of membranes (PROM): Early rupture of the mother’s membranes, or “water breaking.”
Multiple babies
Premature birth
Polyhydramnios: An excess amount of amniotic fluid in the amniotic sac.
Long umbilical cord
Low birth weight or unusually small baby

What Are the Symptoms of Umbilical Cord Compression?

Symptoms of umbilical cord compression vary depending on the timing and circumstances and may include:

Fetal heart rate irregularities: Decelerations or abnormal patterns detected during monitoring may signal reduced oxygen flow to the baby.
Decreased fetal movement: Lower-than-usual activity levels can indicate fetal distress.
Meconium in the amniotic fluid: Fluid in the baby’s first stool can be a sign of stress.

If umbilical cord compression is suspected, prompt medical evaluation and intervention are crucial to ensure the health and safety of both mother and baby.

What Injuries Are Caused by Umbilical Cord Compression?

Umbilical cord compression can cause serious injuries due to reduced oxygen and blood flow, including:

Brain Damage: Oxygen deprivation can lead to hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), a brain injury that may cause long-term neurological issues.
Cerebral Palsy: A condition resulting from oxygen deprivation, affecting movement, muscle tone, and motor skills.
Developmental Delays: Insufficient oxygen can impact growth and developmental milestones.
Stillbirth: In severe cases, prolonged cord compression may lead to the baby’s death before or during delivery.

How Can Medical Malpractice Cause Umbilical Cord Compression?

Medical malpractice can contribute to umbilical cord compression if healthcare providers fail to recognize, identify, or treat warning signs or due to certain obstetric procedures, such as:

Delayed or Inadequate Fetal Monitoring: Failing to monitor the baby’s heart rate correctly can prevent timely detection of distress.
Failure to Act Promptly: Delayed interventions, such as an emergency C-section, can result in severe consequences for the baby.
Improper Handling During Delivery: Using excessive force or certain maneuvers may increase compression risks.
Artificial Rupture of Membranes: Intentional breaking of the mother’s water, especially if the baby’s presenting part is not engaged in the pelvis, can lead to compression.
Use of a Balloon Catheter: A method for cervical dilation that may inadvertently worsen cord compression.
Improper Use of Forceps or Vacuum Extractors: Misuse during delivery can heighten compression risks.
Amnioinfusion: Adding additional fluid to the amniotic sac can alter cord position.
Improper Placement: When an internal scalp electrode or intrauterine pressure catheter is applied, Improper placement can lead to cord compression.

Umbilical cord compression is often recognizable, and birth injuries or fatalities due to this condition are largely preventable with proper medical care.

How Is Umbilical Cord Compression Treated?

Upon detecting umbilical cord compression, medical providers should take immediate and appropriate action, such as administering oxygen to the mother, repositioning her, administering medication to slow contractions, or performing an amnioinfusion if low amniotic fluid contributes to the compression. If these measures do not resolve the issue, a cesarean section may be required.

How Can a Washington, D.C. Umbilical Cord Compression Lawyer Help Me?

With extensive experience in both law and medicine, our Washington, D.C. umbilical cord compression lawyers can help you navigate the legal complexities of pursuing a medical malpractice claim. Our compassionate legal team can thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding your care, gather crucial evidence, and work with medical experts to establish negligence. We negotiate with insurance companies for maximum compensation and represent you in court if necessary.

The Washington, D.C. Umbilical Cord Compression Lawyers at the Law Offices of Dr. Michael M. Wilson, M.D., J.D. & Associates Advocate for Families Affected by Medical Malpractice

If your baby suffered injuries due to negligent medical care, the Washington, D.C. umbilical cord compression lawyers at the Law Offices of Dr. Michael M. Wilson, M.D., J.D. & Associates can help. Call us today at 202-223-4488 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Washington, D.C., we serve clients in the surrounding areas, including Northern Virginia and Maryland.