Local Law Firms Home > Medical Malpractice Overview > Birth Defects > Umbilical Cord Strangulation The umbilical cord is the linking cord from the developing baby to the placenta. The umbilical vein supplies the baby with the nutrients that are needed to survive. When an umbilical cord gets tangled around the neck of the baby, the condition is called a nuchal cord and the child can be fatally injured as a result.
The incidence of umbilical cord strangulation or nuchal cord is a somewhat typical and common birth situation, but if the complication is not recognized soon enough, tragic consequences may result. Dangers can include: Brain injury, organ injury or death. That’s why it is important that medical staff be skilled and responsible when it comes to handling this type of birth injury. There are specific methods available to help save the life of a baby in such a scenario. An emergency C-Section may be needed, or the physician may be able to unwind the umbilical cord during the delivery. Another possibility is clamping and cutting the cord so the baby can breathe. Did you know? Issues with the umbilical cord can normally be discovered by using a device called an ultrasound. This alerts physicians to any potential issues with the baby before birth. |