Michigan Meconium Aspiration Syndrome Lawyer
What is Meconium Aspiration Syndrome?
Meconium aspiration syndrome, or MAS, affects up to 5 percent of all births every year. Meconium is the infant’s first stool, much of which is stored in his or her intestines before birth. Sometimes the meconium can mix with the amniotic fluid, which the baby can then ingest right before or during delivery. This mixture can also flood the baby’s lungs post-delivery and lead to a multitude of medical problems. These problems can range from oxygen loss to pneumonia to airway blockage. With proper care, your infant will not endure any long-term effects. However, meconium aspiration syndrome becomes birth injury medical malpractice when your doctor does not treat your baby timely with the proper procedures.
Causes of MAS
Fetal distress is often a trigger for a birth injury, and meconium aspiration syndrome is no different. If this distress occurs during labor, or if the mother is past her due date, the chances of the baby developing MAS is greater. During this distress, the meconium located in the baby’s intestines can pass through to the amniotic fluid because of the intestines contracting. When the baby is overdue, distress is more likely due to issues with the umbilical cord or the placenta because the baby’s brain does not have enough oxygen or blood.
The main causes of fetal distress include:
- baby is overdue
- decreased oxygen
- gestational diabetes
- aging of the placenta
- difficult labor
Symptoms and Treatment of MAS
The medical professionals involved with the delivery of an infant ought to be able to keep the child from suffering a birth injury related to meconium aspiration syndrome. Recognizing the symptoms of MSA is critical. Symptoms include, but are not limited to:
- green/yellow shade of amniotic fluid
- abnormal breathing of the baby
- low Apgar score
- baby is limp at birth
- meconium in the baby’s windpipe
When signs of meconium aspiration syndrome are present, the doctor must work toward increasing the oxygen and/or blood supply to the baby’s brain. This can be done through airway clearance, an oxygen face mask, or a ventilator. Different treatments, such as antibiotics, staying in the NICU, and more, are all potential ways a doctor may elect to treat or prevent MAS.
Unfortunately, doctors can be negligent. If they do not properly take care of your infant, then meconium aspiration syndrome can result in brain damage, cerebral palsy, or the development of other disabilities, all of which are birth injuries that could have been prevented.
Birth Injury Lawyers in Michigan
Expectant parents anticipate having a healthy baby. When a doctor is negligent regarding your baby’s delivery, he or she should be held accountable. Here at Thurswell Law, we work tirelessly to make sure that you feel some sort of relief from the ordeal that no parent should experience. If your child has suffered from a birth injury due to meconium aspiration syndrome, call Thurswell Law at 248-354-2222 for a free consultation. Our experienced birth injury lawyers will help you get the monetary compensation your child deserves.
