What is Fetal Monitoring?
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), fetal heart rate monitoring is checking a fetus’s condition during labor and delivery by monitoring the fetus’s heart rate with special equipment. Fetal heart rate monitoring is used to help detect changes in the typical heart rate pattern during labor.
If changes are detected, measures can be taken to treat the underlying problem. If there are no issues present, labor can continue as planned.
The Two Types of Fetal Monitoring
There are two methods of fetal heart rate monitoring. The first is auscultation, or periodically listening to the fetal heartbeat.
The second is electronic fetal monitoring (EFM), or using instruments to continuously record the heartbeat of the fetus as well as the contractions of the woman’s uterus during labor.
Fetal Monitoring Can Signal Non-Reassuring Fetal Status During Labor
Fetal monitoring can alert a labor team of non-reassuring fetal status (NRFS). NRFS is when a fetus shows signs of distress during late pregnancy or labor.
Signs of NRFS during labor may include:
- Bradycardia or slowing of the fetal heart rate;
- Tachycardia or speeding of the fetal heart rate;
- Lack of variability in the fetal heart rate;
- Failure of the fetal heart rate to adapt and stabilize; and
- Rapid falls and recoveries in the fetal heart rate.
Without proper fetal monitoring, a baby may be born with a serious injury or illness any of which could be a sign of fetal monitoring negligence.
Signs of Fetal Monitoring Negligence
Some birth injuries and illnesses may be signs of fetal monitoring negligence. These include but are not limited to:
- Asphyxia;
- Brain damage;
- Nerve damage;
- Cerebral palsy;
- Seizures;
- An inability to focus the eyes;
- Paralysis;
- Problems with feeding;
- Poor muscle tone;
- Developmental delays; and
- Potentially, stillbirth.
If you suspect a doctor or labor team failed to properly monitor your baby’s heart rate and other vital information during labor, speak with an experienced Louisville medical malpractice attorney. They can examine your evidence and advise you if you have a birth injury claim.
Deadline to File a Fetal Monitoring Negligence Claim
If your baby suffered a birth injury due to fetal monitoring negligence or another failure by a medical provider, there is a limited time to file a birth injury claim. Kentucky requires an injured party file a birth injury claim within one year from the date of injury.
An exception may apply to the one-year rule for victims who are unaware that an injury occurred.
Contact an Experienced Kentucky Birth Injury Attorney Today
The experienced birth injury attorneys at Dolt, Thompson, Shepherd & Conway PSC, will review your fetal monitoring negligence claim at no cost. Our Louisville birth injury attorneys have fought for injury victims throughout Kentucky since 1986.
If a doctor’s negligence caused you and your baby to suffer, you deserve compensation for any losses you have incurred. Dolt, Thompson, Shepherd & Conway PSC, has recovered millions in jury verdicts from wrongdoers.
Schedule your risk-free consultation at Dolt, Thompson, Shepherd & Conway PSC now by calling 502-369-0616 today!