Working with Experts to Find Answers Following Birth Asphyxia
Santa Fe medical malpractice lawyer answers your questions: What is birth asphyxia?
In his experience as a Santa Fe medical malpractice lawyer, Richard A. "Rick" Sandoval has discovered that most people are confused and intimidated by medical terms. He prefers to take a more straightforward approach. Here is how he explains birth asphyxia to his clients:
Asphyxia means lack of oxygen. Birth asphyxia describes a condition in which the baby receives a reduced oxygen supply before, during or immediately following birth. If medical negligence or malpractice led to a debilitating birth injury, a birth asphyxia lawyer can help you compile evidence to build your case and secure justice for your family.
Causes
Although there may be natural causes of asphyxia including premature separation of the placenta from the uterus (placental abruption), low or high blood pressure in the mother, or A tangled or otherwise compromised umbilical cord, birth asphyxia may be caused by medical negligence during the delivery process. At the Sandoval Firm, we have proven that medical malpractice during the birth process has caused permanent brain damage to several young children in New Mexico. Based on our success, the firms founder, Richard "Rick" Sandoval, has been accepted into the Multi-Million Dollar Advocate Forum and named one of the Best Lawyers in Albuquerque by Albuquerque Magazine in 2008.
Symptoms
The signs of birth asphyxia include:
- A bluish tint to the baby's skin;
- Weak muscle tone;
- Lethargy;
- Weak or labored breathing;
- Low heart rate;
- High acid levels in the baby's blood;
- Seizures;
- Swelling of the brain caused by a build-up of fluid in the brain tissues (cerebral edema).
Diagnosis
The Apgar test is one means of evaluating an infant for asphyxia. An Apgar score of 0-3 about 5 minutes after birth indicates birth asphyxia. A test of the acid levels in the umbilical cord blood also is effective; severe acid levels indicate a lack of oxygen. Imaging techniques (CT scan, MRI) may be useful in diagnosing birth asphyxia. Blood gas studies can provide a link between birth asphyxia and brain damage.
Contact Santa Fe medical malpractice lawyer, Richard "Rick" Sandoval
If you have concerns about the care you or your baby received before, during or after your baby's birth, and you would like to talk to an experienced and compassionate Santa Fe medical malpractice lawyer, please call me at 505.795.7790or 1-866-BEST LAWYER (1-866-237-8529), to schedule a free initial consultation. I would be happy to talk with you about your situation and discuss your legal options.
