Can Meconium Aspiration During Childbirth Lead to Cerebral Palsy?

 Posted on March 08, 2023 in Birth Injury

There are a variety of complications that can occur during pregnancy and childbirth. During labor and delivery, doctors and nurses must closely monitor a mother and quickly address any issues that could threaten the health of her or her child. Failure to diagnose and respond to potential risks could lead to injuries with long-term effects. Meconium aspiration is one issue that may occur during prolonged labor or traumatic delivery, and if not treated correctly, it could have permanent effects on a child's health, including the possibility that the child will develop cerebral palsy.

What Is Meconium Aspiration?

Meconium aspiration occurs when a baby inhales meconium, a black, sticky substance that is present in the intestines of all newborns. Meconium is composed of amniotic fluid, skin cells, and other fluids or particles that the baby ingests while in the womb. Meconium may pass out of the child's body while they are still in the womb and become mixed in with the amniotic fluid. The child may then inhale the meconium during labor and delivery. In many cases, meconium aspiration is not harmful and will not cause any long-term problems. However, in some cases, meconium aspiration can lead to cerebral palsy.

Cerebral palsy is a developmental disorder that can affect a child's muscle coordination and body movement. It is usually caused by damage to the brain during pregnancy, childbirth, or early infancy, which may occur due to a lack of oxygen. While there is no cure for cerebral palsy, early intervention and therapy can help improve a child's quality of life.

What Are the Symptoms of Meconium Aspiration?

The ways a child may react to meconium aspiration can vary depending on how much meconium has been inhaled. In mild cases, the baby may have difficulty breathing and may be born with greenish-black staining around the mouth or nose. In more severe cases, the baby may have serious trouble breathing, and they may also experience seizures, heart arrhythmias, and low blood sugar levels.

How Is Meconium Aspiration Diagnosed?

Meconium aspiration can be diagnosed with a physical exam, and a doctor may review a mother's medical history and the risk factors related to the pregnancy, labor, and delivery. For example, if a mother has been diagnosed with diabetes, preeclampsia, or high blood pressure, or if the child experienced fetal distress during labor and delivery, these issues may have increased the risks of meconium aspiration. A doctor may order tests such as a chest X-ray or CT scan for the child to look for evidence of meconium in the lungs. If a baby has aspirated meconium, they will likely be monitored closely for signs of respiratory distress.

What Are the Treatment Options for Meconium Aspiration?

If meconium aspiration has occurred, a doctor may suction the baby's airway or administer oxygen therapy to help them breathe more easily. If a baby continues to have difficulty breathing, or if their heart rate is abnormal, other interventions may be necessary, such as the use of a ventilator to ensure that they can breathe properly. Antibiotics may be administered, and the child may also receive nitric oxide to help their bloodstream absorb oxygen better. In serious cases, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) may be used to ensure that enough oxygen is delivered throughout the child's brain and body.

Get Help From an Illinois Birth Injury Lawyer for Meconium Aspiration

If you are concerned that your child may have aspirated meconium during childbirth, it is important to speak with your doctor right away. With prompt medical treatment, children who have aspirated meconium can often make a full recovery with no lasting effects. However, if meconium aspiration was not properly diagnosed and treated, a child may have suffered permanent harm, including brain injuries that could potentially lead to cerebral palsy. If you have questions about your options for addressing these issues, Birth Injury Law Alliance, Ltd. can provide you with guidance and make sure your child will be able to receive the proper treatment. To arrange a free consultation with a Chicago meconium aspiration attorney, contact us at 312-462-4200.

Sources:

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/meconium-aspiration-syndrome

https://doctorlib.info/pregnancy/manual-pregnancy-complications/93.html

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19057618/