While having a baby should be an occasion for celebrations, when mistakes are made or errors occur that harm the newborn or mother, families may be left wondering what to do next. One example is when issues occur with the child's umbilical cord. The umbilical cord provides vital oxygen and nutrients to the baby. In certain situations, the umbilical cord may be too short. When the cord is too short, the baby may not be able to move and grow. Further, if an umbilical cord is too short, when a baby moves, he or she may tear the mother's placenta.
Factors that may lead to a short umbilical cord include babies that are not developing and growing as expected, first time pregnancies, maternal weight, and mothers who drink or smoke. With proper prenatal care, doctors should be able to identify those infants with short umbilical cords and provide the necessary care.
Alternatively, longer umbilical cords may cause complications if they become wrapped around an infants neck, or compressed, depriving an infant's brain of the necessary blood and oxygen it needs. In these instances, it may be necessary for a physician to conduct an emergency c section to reduce the potential for harm.
Where the failure to take the necessary steps to protect the mother or child in these instances leads to harm, the doctor, nurse or other medical staff may be guilty of medical malpractice. For more information or if you believe that you or your child may have suffered an injury due to a pregnancy related or birth injury, please contact the experienced California birth injury lawyers at Bostwick Peterson, LLP for an immediate consultation.