Umbilical Cord Entrapment Injuries

Unfortunately, the labor and delivery process can be riddled with complications and potential risks. One of these complications is umbilical cord entrapment, which occurs when the umbilical cord wraps around the baby’s neck or head. When this happens, it is important for medical professionals to take swift action to avoid too much distress.

If an umbilical cord is wrapped around the baby’s neck, it can cause a lack of oxygen flowing to the baby’s brain. This is a serious situation that can cause long-term injuries to the baby. Understanding the signs of fetal distress can help your doctor or nurse determine if the umbilical cord is causing some kind of complications with the child’s birth. If a doctor fails to detect umbilical cord entrapment or they do not act in a timely manner, it may be considered negligence and the family may have a right to file a claim.

Call (214) 307-6307 for a free case review today. 

Strangulation, Prolapse, and Compression of the Umbilical Cord

Some of the dangers that can arise during labor involving the baby’s umbilical cord include strangulation, prolapse, and compression. Strangulation occurs when the umbilical cord wraps around the baby’s neck, cutting off the airways. When an umbilical cord slops ahead before birth, it could cause prolapse and increased pressure. In some cases, the cord can be compressed and flatten. These types of situations can lead to premature delivery or too much amniotic fluid.

How Doctors Should Respond to Complications

If a doctor detects an issue with the umbilical cord, they must act quickly to remedy the problem. There are various options they may consider depending on when the incident happens and if the issue is happening during pregnancy, during labor, or post-delivery. These options should all be considered to help prevent lack of oxygen from lasting too long.

Some treatment options for umbilical cord entrapment include the following:

• If the mother is still in her pregnancy and the doctor notices umbilical cord entrapment, they may recommend changing positions to help alleviate the pressure.
• If the umbilical cord is wrapped around the baby’s neck post-delivery, the doctor may slip his or her finger through the cord to help unwrap it.
• If the doctor notices an issue with the umbilical cord during labor, they may opt for an emergency cesarean section to get the baby out immediately.

Understanding the Long-Term Effects

Because umbilical cord entrapment can result in the lack of oxygen, if not remedied quickly enough, it can result in long term brain damage and other birth injuries such as cerebral palsy or organ damage. These can all have long-term effects on your child’s neurological system or organs. It is important to make sure they have the treatment necessary.

At Aldous \ Walker, we work with families who have endured medical negligence during pregnancy or labor. If the doctor failed to properly monitor the baby, they may have allowed umbilical cord entrapment to occur for a prolonged period of time, resulting in a serious birth injury. We can determine if you have a claim by discussing your rights with you.

Learn more about your potential claim by calling (214) 307-6307 today.