Fertility Law Group – Helping Families Understand Birth Injuries Caused by Oxygen Deprivation
Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) is a serious condition that occurs when a baby inhales meconium-stained amniotic fluid during birth, leading to breathing difficulties, lung complications, and, in severe cases, oxygen deprivation and brain damage. While MAS can sometimes occur naturally, it is often preventable when medical providers properly monitor and respond to signs of fetal distress.
At Fertility Law Group, we work with families whose babies have suffered from preventable birth injuries related to meconium aspiration syndrome. Many parents are never told that failure to monitor fetal distress or delayed intervention can make MAS significantly worse. We help families understand whether medical negligence played a role in their child’s injury and what legal options are available to secure the care they need.
What Is Meconium Aspiration Syndrome?
Meconium is a baby’s first stool, usually passed after birth. However, in some cases, a baby releases meconium while still in the womb, mixing with the amniotic fluid. If the baby inhales this contaminated fluid during delivery, it can enter the lungs and cause blockages, inflammation, and infection, making it difficult for the baby to breathe.
What Causes a Baby to Pass Meconium Before Birth?
Meconium is most often released due to fetal stress or oxygen deprivation before or during labor. Some common causes include:
- Prolonged or difficult labor, putting excessive stress on the baby
- Post-term pregnancy (over 40 weeks), increasing the chance of meconium-stained fluid
- Umbilical cord complications, such as cord compression or prolapse, reducing oxygen flow
- Maternal health conditions, including high blood pressure or diabetes
- Infection during pregnancy, causing fetal distress
- Inadequate monitoring of fetal heart rate, delaying necessary intervention
In these situations, doctors should closely monitor the baby for signs of distress and take steps to prevent aspiration whenever possible.
How Medical Negligence Can Lead to Severe Meconium Aspiration
When MAS is diagnosed and treated immediately, many babies recover with minimal long-term effects. However, delayed or improper medical intervention can make the condition far worse, leading to permanent lung damage, oxygen deprivation, or brain injury.
Common medical mistakes that contribute to MAS-related birth injuries include:
- Failure to monitor fetal distress – A baby showing signs of distress should be delivered quickly to reduce the risk of passing meconium in the womb.
- Delayed C-section – If a baby is struggling and there are clear risk factors for MAS, an emergency C-section may be necessary. Waiting too long can increase the risk of aspiration.
- Improper suctioning at birth – If a baby has inhaled meconium, immediate suctioning of the airway can help prevent complications. Failure to do this can result in serious lung injury.
- Failure to provide respiratory support – If a baby has difficulty breathing after birth, they may require oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation, or surfactant treatments. Delaying these interventions can cause lasting harm.
- Neglecting high-risk pregnancies – Babies who are post-term, experiencing fetal distress, or born to mothers with certain medical conditions require closer monitoring to prevent MAS-related complications.
Birth Injuries and Long-Term Effects of Severe MAS
Many babies with mild MAS recover with proper medical care, but severe cases can cause lifelong complications. The most serious risk comes from oxygen deprivation, which can lead to permanent neurological damage.
Common long-term effects include:
- Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) – Brain damage caused by prolonged oxygen deprivation
- Cerebral palsy, affecting movement and coordination
- Seizure disorders, often linked to birth asphyxia
- Chronic lung disease, requiring ongoing respiratory treatments
- Developmental delays, affecting learning and motor skills
- Speech and language difficulties, requiring long-term therapy
Parents may not realize the full extent of their child’s injuries until months or years later when developmental delays or neurological conditions become apparent. If a child has ongoing medical issues following MAS, it may be necessary to review medical records and evaluate whether proper care was provided during birth.
Why Families Seek Legal Help After Meconium Aspiration Syndrome Complications
Many parents of children affected by MAS are never informed that medical errors contributed to their child’s condition. A legal claim can help families obtain financial resources to cover ongoing medical care, therapy, and special education services. It also ensures that hospitals and doctors are held accountable for failing to provide the standard of care every baby deserves.
A legal claim can help cover:
- Medical expenses, including respiratory therapy and neurological care
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
- Special education and adaptive learning programs
- Assistive devices and home modifications
- Future care expenses to ensure long-term financial security
- Pain and suffering experienced by both the child and parents
At Fertility Law Group, we understand how overwhelming it is for parents to navigate the reality of a birth injury. If your child suffered complications from meconium aspiration syndrome and you suspect that medical negligence played a role, please contact us for a free, confidential consultation to learn more about your rights and options.
