HIE Dangers: What are the Causes?

In terms of birth injuries, many of the potential situations can be caused by negligence on behalf of the medical professionals involved. However, it’s also important to know the exact causes and what underlying factors are involved.

For hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, the causes may be during the pregnancy itself, or even during labor or after delivery. Here are some of the potential causes of HIE and what may be done to recover damages when negligence is involved.

DURING PREGNANCY

During the pregnancy, some of the causes of HIE can include:

• Maternal diabetes
• Blood circulation issues
• Preeclampsia
• Infections
• Lung issues
• Cardiac problems
• Anemia

DURING LABOR AND DELIVERY

Some of the issues that may arise during labor and delivery that can cause HIE include the placenta bleeding excessively or when the mother has really low blood pressure. Accidents with the umbilical cord may also cause HIE.

Other issues can include when the labor is prolonged into the later stages, abnormal fetal positions, and when the placenta and uterus become ruptured.

AFTER THE DELIVERY

In many situations, premature babies are the most at risk for developing a serious brain injury or death caused by hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. When postpartum HIE occurs, there are sine common causes, including severe prematurity.

Other causes can include cardiac disease, meningitis, sepsis, brain trauma, low blood pressure, or brain malformations. In some cases, there are no identifiable causes of HIE, making these situations difficult to handle.

At Hare Wynn, our birth injury attorneys work hard to help families who have suffered as a result of birth injuries such as hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. We want to help you fully understand what rights and options you may have to move forward.

Call our firm at 800-568-5330 today to discuss your rights in a free consultation.