Abnormal Cord Insertion & Birth Injury Malpractice

How to receive compensation for a birth injury caused by abnormal cord insertion

Despite a mother’s best attempt at a normal delivery, unexpected complications arise sometimes that can result in birth injuries. Abnormal cord insertion is among the complications that happen each year— in about 9 percent of births.

What is abnormal umbilical cord insertion?

The umbilical cord connects the baby to the mother’s placenta. Whenever there is any kind of abnormality with the way the umbilical cord is attached, there is a greater chance of complications.

Below, we’ll discuss 2 common types of abnormal cord insertions: velamentous cord insertion and marginal cord insertion.

What is velamentous cord insertion?

Velamentous cord insertion is a pregnancy condition where the umbilical cord attaches to the thin membranes of the placenta instead of directly to the placenta itself. This leaves the blood vessels from the umbilical cord less protected and more vulnerable to damage, which can lead to problems such as poor growth of the baby, complications during delivery, excessive bleeding, and, in severe cases, infant death.

The risk of this type of complication occurring is only about 1 percent in a single-fetus pregnancy; however, the risk increases to 15 percent in pregnancies involving twins sharing the same placenta.

The presence of this complication can be observed on an ultrasound. In most cases, it’s observed during the second trimester; however, it can sometimes be noticed as early as the first trimester.

What is a marginal cord insertion?

Marginal cord insertion, also known as battledore cord insertion, is a condition during pregnancy where the umbilical cord attaches at the edge of the placenta instead of the center.

Since the sidewalls of the placenta don’t contain as much tissue as the center, they aren’t able to provide the proper umbilical cord support. This can lead to reduced blood flow and nutrient delivery to the baby, potentially affecting its growth and development.

While it is generally less risky than velamentous insertion, it still requires careful monitoring by health care providers to ensure the health and safety of both the mother and the baby. Regular ultrasounds and check-ups can help manage any potential complications.

Causes of marginal cord insertion

Currently, healthcare professionals are not sure what causes this complication. The only known definitive risk factor is a multiple pregnancy. It’s also believed that the risk for developing this complication increases when a woman uses fertility treatments to assist with conception.

During early pregnancy, there are usually no noticeable symptoms.

Battledore cord insertion complications

Whenever there is a complication with the umbilical cord, there is a greater risk of problems affecting fetal development and growth. For instance, it can restrict the flow of blood to the baby during pregnancy. This can, in turn, result in a condition known as intrauterine growth restriction.

Ultimately, this can cause premature birth. It’s also believed that marginal cord insertion could be responsible for miscarriage during the first 2 trimesters. Yet another potential risk associated with this complication is the occurrence of excessive bleeding during childbirth.

Mothers may also be at a greater risk of developing placenta previa when the umbilical cord is not properly attached to the placenta. Placenta previa causes the placenta to block the birth canal entrance.

Another potentially associated condition is vasa previa. Although it’s rare, this complication is particularly dangerous. The fetal blood vessels should be located within the cord. In vasa previa, however, they are located in the amniotic sac. This condition can be especially dangerous if vaginal delivery is attempted without this condition first being diagnosed. When the amniotic sac ruptures, the fetal blood vessels will rupture as well. As a result, the baby will experience a tremendous amount of blood loss. In fact, there is a significant risk of the child bleeding to death before birth during vaginal delivery.

Marginal cord insertion treatment

Unfortunately, there are currently no treatments capable of resolving marginal cord insertion effectively. There is simply nothing that practitioners can do to resolve an improper cord insertion. The best steps a physician can take is to diagnose the condition as early as possible and monitor it carefully.

In many cases, a C-section may be advisable.

Does marginal cord insertion require a C-section?

No, marginal cord insertion does not automatically require a C-section. Many pregnancies with marginal cord insertion can be managed with careful monitoring and regular check-ups. However, if complications arise, such as poor fetal growth or signs of distress, a C-section might be recommended.

The decision to perform a C-section will depend on the specific circumstances of the pregnancy and the health of both the mother and the baby. Your health care provider will assess your situation and provide the best recommendation for a safe delivery.

When to consult a birth injury attorney

While it’s possible to diagnose and monitor the presence of an improper cord insertion, that, unfortunately, does not always occur. In some cases, the doctor simply does not diagnose the condition at all or may not monitor the pregnancy as carefully as he or she should.

In other situations, the physician may not make the recommended call of performing a C-section and instead has the mother attempt a vaginal birth.

Each of these scenarios can have a devastating effect on the mother as well as her child. There is a very real risk of birth injuries, which can lead to lifelong disabilities and expensive medical treatments. Even more frightening is the possibility of death for the mother and/or the child.

If you or someone close to you has experienced problems related to an improperly monitored abnormal cord insertion pregnancy, it’s important to seek legal guidance as quickly as possible.

An experienced attorney specializing in birth injuries at Brown Trial Firm can review your case and provide you with legal advice regarding the next steps to take. You may be entitled to receive compensation not only for medical expenses but also for physical and emotional trauma and suffering.

Contact us today for your free consultation.