WGK Personal Injury Lawyers | April 29, 2025 | Birth Injuries
A baby’s first few minutes of life are critical. When a baby is deprived of oxygen during or right after birth, the effects can be devastating. Maryland medical providers must act fast to prevent serious, lifelong consequences.
Understanding the timeline and risks involved can help parents know what to expect and what legal options might be available if medical malpractice is to blame for a birth injury.
What Is Birth Asphyxia?
Birth asphyxia, also called perinatal or neonatal asphyxia, is a serious condition that happens when the baby’s brain is deprived of oxygen before, during, or soon after birth. The longer the baby is deprived of oxygen, the greater the risk of severe brain damage, developmental delays, or death.
How Long Can You Go Without Breathing Before Brain Damage?
How quickly brain damage occurs depends on whether oxygen to the brain is reduced (hypoxia) or cut off completely (anoxia). If an infant stopped breathing completely, the deprivation can cause damage quickly, but it may be easier to detect. When oxygen is gradually restricted, an infant may suffer brain damage over a longer period of time, and it may be harder to detect in time.
The brain can survive four to five minutes without oxygen, but the risk of significant, irreversible brain damage increases exponentially beyond this point. At ten minutes, someone may still be alive, but severe brain damage and coma is almost certain.
Why Oxygen Deprivation Happens During Birth
Oxygen deprivation can occur for many reasons. Some of the most common causes include:
- Umbilical cord problems, like cord prolapse or cord compression
- Placental abruption, when the placenta separates from the womb too soon
- Uterine rupture
- Prolonged or difficult labor
- Maternal health issues like low blood pressure or infections
- Delayed emergency C-section when fetal distress is detected
- Improper use of delivery tools like forceps or vacuum extractors
Unfortunately, many of these complications are preventable with proper monitoring and timely medical intervention.
What Are the Signs of Oxygen Deprivation in a Newborn?
When a baby suffers from lack of oxygen at birth, symptoms may be obvious right away or develop later. Common signs include:
- Low Apgar scores (below 7 at 5 minutes after birth)
- Weak or absent cry
- Poor muscle tone
- Difficulty breathing or bluish skin color
- Seizures within the first 24 hours
- Feeding difficulties
Later on, babies may show signs of developmental delays, trouble with motor skills, or other neurological problems.
If doctors fail to recognize these symptoms or delay treatment, the baby’s condition can quickly worsen.
Fast Action Is Crucial
Immediate action can reduce or even prevent a brain injury. Some standard treatments include:
- Resuscitation (helping the baby breathe)
- Cooling therapy (lowering the baby’s body temperature)
- Medications to control seizures
- NICU admission for specialized monitoring and support
Time is crucial. For example, cooling therapy must typically begin within six hours of birth to be effective.
When an infant suffers a brain injury from a lack of oxygen, it’s called hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). This condition can have lasting effects. HIE occurs in 1.5 to 2.5 per 1,000 live births.
Contact a Medical Malpractice Attorney in Maryland for Legal Help
When medical negligence leads to a baby’s brain injury, Maryland law allows parents to pursue a medical malpractice claim. If you suspect your child’s injury was caused by a medical provider’s negligence, it’s crucial to take action quickly to protect your child’s rights and future.
Contact a Maryland medical malpractice lawyer for a free consultation to get started with your case.
Contact the Baltimore Birth Injury Law Firm of WGK Personal Injury Lawyers Today For Help
For more information contact the Baltimore birth injury law firm of WGK Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation.
WGK Personal Injury Lawyers
14 W Madison St, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
(410) 837-2144
WGK Personal Injury Lawyers – Dundalk Office
7329 Holabird Ave Suite 3, Dundalk, MD 21222
By appointment only
(410) 970-3080