Fetal distress is a broad and somewhat imprecise term for a range of problems that can compromise the fetus before or during labor. Several members of the delivery team monitor the fetus for signs of distress and are supposed to take appropriate steps to avoid risk factors that could result in permanent brain damage, disability or death.
If you believe that problems encountered during your child's delivery are due to medical negligence or error, contact the AV-Preeminent* law firm of Gray, Ritter & Graham, P.C., in St. Louis. Our lawyers use their experience with medical malpractice litigation to help parents discover what went wrong during their child's delivery and recover the financial compensation necessary for corrective treatment, therapy and long-term care.
Missouri Medical Malpractice Attorneys for OB/GYN Negligence During Delivery
Much of the work necessary to protect against the damages of fetal distress is performed through careful monitoring of vital signs, biochemical balances and fetal blood oxygenation. Abnormal readings along any of several measures can show that the fetus is experiencing serious problems, and a prompt response by the delivery team will usually be essential to preventing serious and continuing harm.
Clinically significant signs of fetal distress include:
- Abnormal slowing of labor
- Insufficient oxygen in the fetal bloodstream
- Fetal heart rate too fast (tachycardia) or too slow (bradycardia) during labor
- Presence of meconium (fecal matter) or other abnormal substances in the amniotic fluid
- Fetal response to problems encountered during pregnancy or shortly before labor, such as infection in the mother, pre-eclampsia or compression of the umbilical cord
Our attorneys review the monitor strip records with experienced obstetrical experts to determine whether a reasonably careful medical professional would have taken different steps in light of the observed readings. If we find that medical negligence played a significant role in causing a birth injury in your family, we will pursue your claims for damages.
St. Louis Fetal Distress Litigation Attorneys: Call 314-732-0728 or 888-743-4054
Contact Gray, Ritter & Graham in St. Louis for a free consultation.
*AV Preeminent and BV Distinguished are certification marks of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., used in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the confidential opinions of members of the Bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell ratings fall into two categories: legal ability and general ethical standards.
