Velamentous Cord Insertion Risks

Thursday, June 15, 2023

Velamentous Cord Insertion Risks

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

Many things can go wrong during pregnancy, labor, and delivery, but your doctors can often anticipate possible complications and take steps to prevent them. When they fail to do so, both infants and mothers can suffer severe and life-changing injuries.

Velamentous cord insertion is a birth injury that often occurs during pregnancy when the umbilical cord attaches to the edge of the placenta rather than being centrally embedded. This abnormal attachment poses certain risks that expectant parents – and, most importantly, their doctors – should be aware of.

If your child suffered injuries due to velamentous cord insertion issues or another type of birth injury, you might have legal rights. Allow the birth injury attorneys at Malman Law to evaluate your situation and determine whether you are entitled to compensation.

Possible Injury Risks

One potential risk associated with velamentous cord insertion is fetal growth restriction. The abnormal placement of the cord can affect the blood flow between the placenta and the fetus, potentially leading to inadequate oxygen and nutrient supply to the baby. This may result in slower or restricted growth of your baby in the womb.

Another concern is the increased likelihood of fetal distress during labor and delivery. Velamentous cord insertion can make the umbilical cord more vulnerable to compression or tearing, especially if it is positioned near the cervix. This compression or tearing can disrupt blood flow and oxygen supply to your baby, leading to fetal distress and the need for immediate medical intervention.

In some cases, velamentous cord insertion may also be associated with a higher risk of preterm birth. The abnormal attachment of the umbilical cord can weaken the connection between the placenta and the uterus, potentially causing the placenta to detach prematurely. This can result in preterm labor and delivery, which carries its own set of risks for the baby’s health and development.

Too many infants suffer preventable birth injuries due to mismanagement of velamentous cord insertion. If this happens to your child, our attorneys can help.

Medical Professionals Should Know the Risks

It’s important to note that not all pregnancies with velamentous cord insertion encounter complications. Many pregnancies progress without any significant issues, as their doctors take appropriate action when they discover the issue. However, some healthcare providers fail to properly identify or monitor this condition during routine prenatal care, so they do not detect or plan for potential problems.

If velamentous cord insertion is diagnosed during pregnancy, healthcare providers should often recommend additional monitoring, such as regular ultrasounds, to closely monitor fetal growth and well-being. In some cases, a planned cesarean delivery may be recommended to minimize the risk of cord-related complications during labor. This does not always happen, however, and serious injuries can result. When this happens, you have important legal rights as a parent of a child with a birth injury.

Learn How a Compassionate Chicago Birth Injury Attorney Can Help

While not every birth injury stems from medical malpractice, many do. If your child has preventable injuries due to your doctor’s negligence, you deserve compensation and should take legal action immediately. Do not wait to consult with Malman Law so we can evaluate your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation.