Information about fetal acidosis, birth injury, birth trauma, and legal recourse in Colorado.
Fetal acidosis is one of many medical conditions acquired during childbirth that can adversely affect the health of a newborn infant. The term fetal acidosis refers to a medical condition in which the Ph chemistry of the infant’s body, specifically blood plasma, becomes too acidic, or falls below a 7.35 on the Ph scale. The acidic body chemistry, fetal acidosis, can cause numerous complications or even death in infants. Fetal acidosis is a complication often associated with fetal hypoxia, or the loss of oxygen during childbirth.
What Causes Fetal Acidosis?
Fetal Acidosis can be caused by a number of factors, many of which are preventable. While in the uterus, the fetus depends entirely upon the mother for oxygen and nutrients which are received through the umbilical cord. As a result, when the mother’s Ph balance becomes too acidic, often due to not receiving enough oxygen during labor and delivery, the fetus is subject to the same acidic Ph levels and low oxygen conditions. Several factors can contribute to mother and fetal hypoxia, and consequently mother and fetal acidosis. These factors include prolonged labor, intensely painful or stressful labor, and low oxygen levels due to inadequate monitoring by medical staff.
After delivery, an infant may experience fetal acidosis due to other causes such as continued respiratory distress, infections, or anemia. Fetal acidosis or newborn acidosis which is prolonged due to a lengthy or stressful labor and delivery, or other factors can cause permanent injury to an infant, including brain damage and kidney disorders.
Can Fetal Acidosis be Prevented?
Yes, it is widely believed within the medical community that many cases of fetal acidosis and newborn acidosis could be prevented. Since fetal acidosis of often caused by the mother’s lack of oxygen during difficult labor and delivery, simply assuring that the mother has an adequate oxygen supply, and monitoring the oxygen supply of the infant during childbirth could prevent many cases of fetal acidosis. Reducing the stress of labor and delivery through techniques, such as not requiring a woman in labor to push until she naturally feels the urge, allowing the mother to push for only the length of time she feels comfortable, and frequent changing of labor positions are currently considered as ways for preventing fetal acidosis. In addition to preventing fetal acidosis, newborn acidosis can sometimes be prevented by the quick diagnosis and treatment of newborn conditions such as respiratory distress and anemia.
Related Information
Kiel & Trueax, LLC
We are an experienced Colorado Fetal Acidosis, Birth Injury and Birth Trauma Law
Firm. We will work hard to recover your damages and compensate you for your losses.
Contact us at (303) 694-2666 or by email for your free consultation.
Fetal Acidosis, Birth Injury and Birth Trauma