If you’ve recently lost your baby due to fetal death and are searching for answers, you’ve come to the right place. Medical malpractice accounts for many fetal deaths each year. Learning about birth injuries is the first step in finding out if you are a victim. You may benefit by consulting a Cleveland birth injury lawyer to explore your legal options.

Cleveland Birth Injury: About Fetal Deaths

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), fetal death is when a fetus dies during pregnancy. When the fetus dies after 20 weeks, the medical community calls it a stillbirth. In 2005, there were 25,894 stillbirths reported to the CDC. While most cases of fetal death are from placental pathology at 64.9%, some causes of stillbirth are due to medical malpractice. 

Causes of Stillbirth

Many causes of stillbirth are unknown. Of the known cases of stillbirth, most of the causes lie within the medical illnesses of the mother. 
  • Incompetent Cervix - Incompetent cervix is the most common cause of stillbirth. This is when the mother’s cervix softens and dilates, which is what happens during labor. The baby isn’t able to stay in the womb with a weakened cervix, so death occurs. Women are more likely to suffer from an incompetent cervix if they had a cervical surgery, or D&C. Physicians can prevent the consequences of an incompetent cervix by sewing the cervix closed until birth. Anyone with birth injury risk factors should discuss these risks with their obstetrician to find out if this procedure could be effective in preventing stillbirth. 
  • Preeclampsia - During the second and third trimester in pregnancy, many women develop a serious health condition known as preeclampsia. This raises the blood pressure of the mother, which can lead to seizures and death if left untreated. When a woman has a preeclampsia, the fetus also suffers. The placenta works inefficiently, which could reduce the amount of nutrients the baby receives. Treatment of preeclampsia is possible to prevent the serious consequences to mother and baby. Doctors should perform regular checkups, and prescribe pregnancy-safe medications to lower blood pressure. 
  • Infection - A woman with a urinary tract infection (UTI) or a sexually transmitted disease (STD) can suffer from a stillbirth. When a woman becomes pregnant, the doctor should perform tests to identify whether she has a UTI and STD. Symptoms of UTI require major consideration during pregnancy as well. 

Cleveland Birth Injury: Umbilical Cord Problems

A number of umbilical cord problems in the last part of pregnancy can lead to stillbirth. 
  • Prolapsed umbilical cord: Occurs when the cord comes out of the cervix. This compresses the cord, which prevents the fetus from getting the blood and oxygen the fetus needs. A mother has approximately 10 minutes to have this problem corrected before it starts to affect the fetus. 
  • Mono-amniotic twins: Occurs when twins share the same placenta and amniotic sac, which could result in cord entanglement. To prevent the fetuses from suffering harm from the compromised cords, a doctor should deliver the twins as early as 31 weeks. 
  • Short umbilical cord: Can pose a threat because the fetus may grab it, which can compress the flow of blood and oxygen. If the cord is too long, it might wrap around the fetus, especially during labor. This can be serious if it wraps around the fetus’ neck. A doctor can identify umbilical cord problems with an ultrasound. If there is a problem, the doctor should take action as soon as possible to prevent harm to the fetus.
  • Twisted umbilical cord: Occurs when the umbilical cord twists around and usually 3 times. Twisted umbilical cords are the most common form of stillbirth from umbilical cord problems. This condition also decreases blood and oxygen flow to the fetus. A doctor can untwist the cord during labor before it causes harm to the baby.

Contact a Cleveland Birth Injury Lawyer

If you feel as though you didn’t receive adequate medical care to prevent fetal death, or your baby has suffered from a birth defect because of medical malpractice, contact a Cleveland birth injury lawyer. The Becker Law Firm specializes in birth injury malpractice cases. Contact our Cleveland medical malpractice and birth injury lawyer team today at 1-877-863-6219 to set up a consultation.

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