Fetal distress is not a term that an expecting mother ever wants to hear. Fetal distress can lead to a myriad of problems for the baby and the mother and occurs when the flow of oxygen to the unborn baby is compromised. As a result, the baby’s heart rate can go flat. Fetal distress may occur during pregnancy or labor. Our Fairfax birth injury attorneys understand how scary fetal distress can be to the mother and father, so we want you to learn the symptoms.
If you or a loved one is pregnant, watch for the following warning signs of fetal distress:
- Decreased fetal movement
- Vaginal spotting or bleeding
- High blood pressure
- Cramping or pain
- Decreased fetal heart rate
- Low weight gain for the mother
- Meconium is present in the uterus
Fetal distress can also be determined by watching your baby on the fetal monitor in your doctor’s office. However, if you are experiencing any of the warning signs indicated above, speak with your doctor’s office immediately. Even if something simply does not feel right, call your doctor.
Many times fetal distress is a result of medical malpractice, including the circumstance in which your doctor failed to properly monitor you if you had the signs and symptoms of fetal distress. At Shevlin Smith, our Virginia birth injury lawyers have experience representing clients who have lost a baby or whose child was seriously injured and medical malpractice was the cause. If you live in Washington DC or Virginia, call our Fairfax office at (703) 721-4233. Our attorneys have extensive experience and a winning track record representing birth injury clients. If you are in Washington DC, order a copy of our free book Medical Negligence: Your Rights in the District of Columbia. If you are in Virginia, order a copy of our free book Do I Have A Case? A Patient's Guide to Virginia Medical Negligence Law. Both books are available through this website.
