Umbilical Cord Complications & Abnormalities

Umbilical cord complications and abnormalities can sometimes occur during labour, resulting in a serious birth injury for the child or even death.

If your baby has been affected by an umbilical cord complication that you believe could have been avoided or better handled by the attending midwives or obstetrician, you may be eligible to make a clinical negligence compensation claim.

For expert legal advice from the team of solicitors here at JMW, call 0800 054 6512 or complete the online contact form at the side of the page.

What Are Umbilical Cord Complications?

The umbilical cord connects the baby to the placenta, carrying vital oxygen and nutrients and also removing the baby's waste products.

If complications or abnormalities occur during labour, it can lead to foetal distress or other birth injuries due to the importance of the cord to the child. Serious complications can even result in the death of the baby.

Examples of umbilical cord complications include:

• Umbilical prolapse - When the cord slips into the vagina before the baby passes into the birth canal, potentially decreasing its blood and oxygen supply.
• Umbilical cord compression - Typically when the cord becomes wrapped around the baby's body or neck during delivery, decreasing blood flow and oxygen supply.
• Umbilical cord knot - When knots form in the cord, usually due to it being too long, that can cut off the baby's oxygen supply.

These abnormalities can lead to problems during pregnancy or labour, as well as serious brain injuries and heart defects in the baby, or, the worst case scenario, death, if a baby is deprived of oxygen for too long.

Make a Clinical Negligence Claim With JMW's Expert Solicitors

You may be able to make a clinical negligence claim if your baby experienced an umbilical cord complication before or during labour that was not dealt with correctly, was made worse by the attending medical professionals or could have been avoided.

The specialist negligence solicitors here at JMW have a long history of recovering compensation for parents who have suffered as a result of the mistakes of a third party.

We also understand how difficult it is for mothers to consider embarking on what can be a lengthy legal process following a complication at birth. However, our solicitors are friendly, approachable and sympathetic, offering easy-to-understand information and advice throughout, making the course of action as hassle-free as possible.

For expert legal advice on umbilical cord complication claims, call 0800 054 6512 or complete our online contact form.