Birth asphyxia is one of the most preventable types of birth injuries, but also one of the most dangerous. Birth asphyxia happens when the baby does not receive enough oxygen before, during, or after birth.
Without oxygen, the brain and other vital organs can suffer serious, permanent damage in a matter of minutes. The longer the baby goes without enough oxygen, the more severe the damage tends to be.
If your baby suffered from birth asphyxia, and you suspect negligent healthcare contributed to it, contact Weisser Law today. We specialize in helping families across Florida understand what happened to their newborn and how medical malpractice may have played a part.
Call us today to schedule a free, zero-pressure consultation with Weisser Law, where you won’t pay until we win.
Symptoms of birth asphyxia
One of the more difficult issues with diagnosing birth asphyxia is that symptoms don’t always present immediately. In many cases, they show up over time, but in either case, early detection of symptoms is crucial.
Symptoms of birth asphyxia include:
- Difficulty breathing or needing resuscitation
- A weak or absent cry
- Poor feeding or weak suck
- Seizures or abnormal movements
- Blue or gray skin (indicating low oxygen levels)
- Extreme sleepiness or low responsiveness
- Abnormal muscle tone (muscles can be too stiff or too floppy)
What causes birth asphyxia?
Although it’s impossible to stop every instance of birth asphyxia, in many cases, proper monitoring and timely action prevent the issue from becoming serious. Complications that arise during delivery, causing birth asphyxia, include:
- Umbilical cord compression or prolapse
- Placental abruption or insufficiency
- Prolonged or difficult labor
- Maternal infections or high blood pressure
- Failure of the baby to begin breathing after birth
While doctors can’t prevent these complications, they can predict the likelihood of their happening. In those instances, medical staff should be prepared to monitor symptoms and act quickly with treatment.
How does medical malpractice cause or make birth asphyxia worse?
Because birth asphyxia is so predictable and treatable when spotted early, medical malpractice often plays a major role in severe cases. It starts with how the staff monitors the mother and baby before delivery to assess the risk of complications during birth. Monitoring fetal heart rate and looking for signs of distress early saves valuable time in the event of an issue.
During delivery, healthcare teams shouldn’t delay if an emergency C-section is needed. Staff must use tools like forceps or vacuum extraction properly. Staff should address umbilical cord problems quickly and carefully to prevent long-term damage to the newborn.
No matter when medical staff notice an ongoing or potential problem, acting quickly and following medical care standards often makes the difference between a healthy baby and one that needs lifelong care.
Serious injuries caused by birth asphyxia
Complications caused by birth asphyxia carry a significant risk for major long-term injury. Birth asphyxia is directly linked to Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE), a brain injury that can cause permanent neurological damage and require lifetime care.
Birth asphyxia is also connected to cerebral palsy, which is a group of neurological disorders that impact movement and coordination. Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition that affects a person’s everyday life in numerous ways. Depending on the severity of the case, the person may require full-time or part-time assistance to perform basic daily activities. Periventricular Leukomalacia (PVL) is another type of brain injury connected to motor disorders commonly caused by birth asphyxia.
Multiple types of developmental disabilities and cognitive delays are linked to birth asphyxia. However, signs of memory issues, learning disabilities, speech problems, behavioral challenges, and other symptoms may not present until the child is a bit older.
Seizures and organ damage are also known to be caused by birth asphyxia.
Weisser Law understands that no amount of money can make these compilations easy to deal with. But we also know how important it is to hold accountable those who caused the issues and to secure the compensation necessary to provide a good life for your injured child.
If your baby was injured during a bout of birth asphyxia, you probably have questions. Weisser Law is here to get you the answers and the compensation you deserve. Call us today to schedule your free consultation so we can carry the legal burden while you focus on your child and your family.
Frequently asked questions about birth asphyxia.
How quickly can birth asphyxia cause brain damage?
Brain damage can begin within minutes when oxygen supply is reduced. In newborns, the brain is extremely sensitive to oxygen deprivation. The longer the brain goes without oxygen, the greater the risk of irreversible injury.
Immediate medical intervention—such as emergency delivery or resuscitation—can significantly improve outcomes.
Can birth asphyxia lead to lifelong disabilities?
Yes. Birth asphyxia is known to cause permanent conditions such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and intellectual disabilities. These conditions may require lifelong medical care, therapy, and support.
In many cases, the full impact isn’t immediately visible, as signs don’t develop until the child grows. Early diagnosis and intervention can improve outcomes, but severe cases often result in lasting impairment.
Can birth asphyxia be prevented?
Not all cases are preventable, but many can be avoided with proper prenatal care, monitoring, and timely medical intervention. Medical staff should identify risk factors early and respond quickly during labor to significantly reduce the risk. Healthcare providers are expected to follow established standards of care to protect both mother and baby.
What compensation is available in a birth asphyxia case?
Families may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, therapy, long-term care, and pain and suffering. Because birth asphyxia injuries often require lifelong care, compensation may include future costs as well, which greatly increases how much the case is worth. A legal claim can help secure the financial resources needed to support the child’s ongoing needs.
What should I do if I suspect medical negligence?
If you suspect that your child’s injury may have been caused by medical negligence, it’s important to act quickly. Start by seeking a full medical evaluation and obtaining your and your baby’s medical records. From there, you should contact an experienced birth injury attorney — like Weisser Law — to review your case. Early action is critical because legal deadlines apply and evidence can become harder to obtain over time.