Perinatal asphyxia, or birth asphyxia, results from an inadequate intake of oxygen by the baby during the birth process – before, during, or just after birth. Decreased oxygen intake can result in chemical changes in the baby’s body that include hypoxemia, or low levels of oxygen in the blood, and acidosis, in which too much acid builds up in the blood.
Symptoms of Perinatal Asphyxia:
- Before birth, abnormal fetal heart rate and low pH levels, indicating too much acid
- At birth, poor skin color, low heart rate, weak muscle tone, gasping or weak breathing, and meconium stained amniotic fluid
Treatment of Perinatal Asphyxia:
Treatment may include giving the mother extra amounts of oxygen before delivery, repositioning, discontinuing Pitocin, giving intravenous fluids, emergency delivery or cesarean section, mechanical breathing machine, warmth, cooling therapy, fluids and medication.
Anyone who has been the victim of a birth trauma that has resulted in perinatal asphyxia, as the result of medical negligence, is eligible to recover medical and hospital expenses to cover the care of the child. The first step is to have your case evaluated by an experienced law firm to find out your legal options.