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Umbilical Cord Compression Injuries in the New York Metro Area
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While a baby is in the womb, the umbilical cord will be connected from the baby to the placenta. It is actually a part of the child and contains two arteries and one vein. This cord is so crucial because it is how the baby receives oxygen and nutrients. It also pumps the blood back out of the heart and out through the placenta. This leads to the question, what is the placenta? It is an organ in the womb that gives the baby nutrients as well as eliminates waste products. Through the umbilical cord, it provides the baby what is needs to grow.
Understanding how important the umbilical cord is necessary in order to realize just how dangerous it is for there to be any problems with this cord. As the lifeline for the baby, if this cord is in some way damaged, the baby will suffer as a result. The baby will not be able to get nutrients, blood, or oxygen if it is cut off. Umbilical cord compression is any type of situation that results in pressure being exerted on the cord leading to decreased amount of oxygen being transferred to the child.
Understanding Umbilical Cord Prolapse and Compression
One of the causes of this compression is umbilical cord prolapse. Sometimes, during labor, the umbilical cord will start to move towards the birth canal. The mother may be able to feel the cord in the birth canal or they may even be able to see it protruding from the vagina. If this is the case, they need to get medical attention as soon as possible.
This protrusion is most likely causing the umbilical cord to be compressed so that the baby is being deprived of oxygen. If the mother is carrying twins, when the first child is born, the umbilical cord could be pulled into the birth canal. This complication is fairly common with about one in every 300 births including some kind of umbilical cord complication.
Umbilical cord prolapse is not the only reason why compression may occur
Umbilical cord prolapse
Due to the fact that the fetus moves around in the womb, the umbilical cord can become tangled and wrapped around the baby. In other cases, labor will cause the umbilical cord to become compressed. The lack of oxygen can cause the baby's heart rate to drop. Sometimes there is no way to stop this compression from occurring and, in most cases, it does not lead to major problems. However, the baby should be closely monitored so that their heart rate does not keep lowering. The doctor may choose to perform a cesarean section if it becomes apparent that the baby is showing signs of distress.
New York Birth Injury Lawyers
Even though there may not be any way to avoid umbilical cord compression, there are ways that it can and should be treated. If your child suffered because the doctor failed to realize what was going on or did not perform a cesarean section in time, they could be guilty of medical malpractice. If you believe you have a case, please contact the Law Offices of Joseph M. Lichtenstein, PC. We are dedicated to helping those who have been victimized by medical malpractice and have experienced a birth injury in their family. We have successfully recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients and will work tirelessly to secure you the maximum amount of compensation for you.