What is Fetal Distress?

Parents-to-be always hope for the safe birth of their child, however, there are many things that can go wrong before, during, or even after a delivery. Parents trust in their doctors to assist them with the delivery of their child and naturally assume that the doctor is properly trained and capable of performing any medical tasks needed to ensure the safety of the child and mother. Unfortunately, this is not always the case.

Fetal distress occurs when the fetus shows signs that it is excessively fatigued and is unable to handle the stress associated with childbirth. This happens before or during childbirth and needs to be treated immediately to ensure the health of both mother and child.

There are many causes for fetal distress including:

• Lengthy labor
• Use of Epidurals
• Failure to use delivery tools (forceps, etc.) properly
• The compression of the umbilical cord
• Lack of needed blood supply during pregnancy or delivery
• Breach position
• Failure of the doctor to diagnose any serious health concerns during the pregnancy

Symptoms of fetal distress should be taken seriously and may require the urgent delivery of the baby. Symptoms may include:

• Increased or decreased heart rate of the fetus
• Abnormal biochemical signs (assessed by a sample of the baby’s blood)
• Decreased movement of the fetus felt by the mother

If your child has suffered fetal distress, contact an attorney to learn more about your legal rights and options. If a doctor did not respond urgently to treat you or your child, the doctor may be liable for any birth injuries that your child may have suffered. Contact the Waukesha birth injury lawyers of Habush Habush & Rottier, S.C. today by calling 1-800-559-5599. Your initial consultation is free.