During labor and delivery, you put your trust in your medical team to monitor you and your baby, and respond appropriately to any signs of distress. However, when your baby’s heart rate drops, questions can arise about whether your doctor is acting quickly enough and meeting the accepted standard of care. Although fetal bradycardia is not uncommon, and it often resolves when external pressure stops, medical malpractice can arise in situations where a baby’s heart rate was not properly monitored or a healthcare provider was otherwise negligent, and the child suffered a birth injury as a result.
Fetal bradycardia is a medical emergency that can occur during labor when a baby’s heartbeat drops below 110 beats per minute for at least 10 minutes. While a baby’s normal heart rate during delivery is typically between 110 and 160 beats per minute, brief dips are common. Transient bradycardia, which is brief and typically lasts for just a few minutes, can be triggered by umbilical cord compression, minor head pressure, or a physical exam on the mother's abdomen.
In contrast, persistent bradycardia is more serious. This is a prolonged drop in heart rate and indicates the baby may not be receiving enough oxygen. Such situations can lead to hypoxia and other injuries, requiring immediate medical intervention.
There can be many causes of fetal bradycardia. It can be caused by various events during delivery, maternal health conditions, medications used to induce labor, and medication in epidurals. Other common causes can include:
Significantly, a medical team must act quickly if a baby’s heart rate drops. They may ask the mother to change positions to alleviate pressure from the baby, treat low maternal blood pressure, and administer extra oxygen or fluids through an IV. If the baby’s condition does not improve, an emergency cesarean section may be necessary.
When there is a delay in response or a lack of response from the medical team, prolonged fetal bradycardia can result in serious long-term complications for the baby. Such lasting effects can include brain damage, nerve damage, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), cerebral palsy, paralysis, and in severe cases, stillbirth. Some babies might also need to have a pacemaker implanted. These injuries and medical conditions can result in developmental delays, permanent disability, the need for long-term medical monitoring, and lifelong medical care.
Fetal bradycardia and the complications that can arise from it aren’t always caused by medical malpractice. However, the condition can become a matter of medical negligence if healthcare professionals were careless, reckless, or failed to act, resulting in an injury to the child. A malpractice claim in connection with fetal bradycardia can arise in cases involving:
Ultimately, medical malpractice may occur in cases where a healthcare provider failed to recognize fetal bradycardia, delayed intervention, or otherwise failed to respond appropriately. In cases where a doctor’s failure to follow the accepted standard of care in the medical community caused the baby to suffer an injury that could otherwise have been prevented, the parents may be entitled to file a medical malpractice lawsuit.
Injuries and medical conditions due to complications caused by fetal bradycardia can result in significant medical expenses. Depending on the specific condition, a child might need therapies, medications, and surgeries in the future. Parents may also incur substantial out-of-pocket costs and lose time from work. In severe cases where the child requires care around-the-clock, a parent might not be able to work at all or may need to hire a full-time caregiver.
By filing a medical malpractice action, parents may be entitled to recover the economic damages incurred due to a doctor’s negligence, as well as non-economic damages on behalf of their child for the pain and suffering they endure. Damages that may be awarded in a medical malpractice lawsuit for fetal bradycardia complications can include compensation for the following:
Importantly, while the statute of limitations may be tolled until the child reaches the age of 18 to recover the damages they suffered, parents only have a limited amount of time to sue for their own financial losses. It’s crucial to consult with a skilled medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible who can advise you regarding your rights and legal options.
If your child suffered complications caused by fetal bradycardia due to a healthcare provider’s negligence, it’s essential to have the representation of an experienced medical malpractice attorney who can help you hold them accountable. Serving Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, the Fraser Law Firm helps families and children who have suffered negligence-related birth injuries secure the maximum monetary recovery to which they are entitled. Contact the Fraser Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help.
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