Oxygen Deprivation: A Common Cause of Birth Injuries

Birth injuries are, unfortunately, a common occurrence, with approximately 28,000 babies suffering from one annually in the United States.

There are some common factors that increase the prevalence of this largely preventable occurrence. One such factor is oxygen deprivation.

Below, our Philadelphia personal injury attorneys discuss the role that oxygen deprivation plays in birth injuries.

How Oxygen Deprivation Causes Birth Injuries

Oxygen deprivation falls into two main categories: hypoxia and anoxia. Hypoxia involves a decrease of oxygen flow to the brain, while anoxia involves a cessation of oxygen flow to the brain.

An infant may experience oxygen deprivation during a long labor and delivery process. Any labor greater than 18 hours is considered long, and at this point, the pressure exerted on an infant’s brain may result in decreased or no oxygen flow to the brain.

If this happens for an extended period of time, the infant’s brain cells may start to die and the child may experience brain damage.

Birth injuries that may result from oxygen deprivation include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Cerebral palsy
• Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)
• Perinatal asphyxia

Suspect a Birth Injury? Contact Us Today

If your child suffered an injury at birth, our team is here to help. At The Beasley Firm, LLC, we have the experience and resources necessary to take on large hospitals and insurance companies and recover just compensation for you and your child.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation