Understanding HIE & Its Causes
Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) is a serious birth injury that occurs when a baby’s brain doesn’t receive enough oxygen (hypoxia) and blood flow (ischemia) before, during, or just after delivery. This condition can cause permanent brain damage, and in many cases, it leads to long-term conditions like Cerebral Palsy, developmental delays, or seizures.
Unfortunately, HIE is often the result of medical negligence during labor and delivery—and parents are rarely told that it was preventable.
What Happens During HIE?
The brain requires a constant flow of oxygen-rich blood to function and develop properly. If that supply is interrupted—even for just a few minutes—brain cells begin to die, leading to permanent injury. In newborns, HIE often develops when there is fetal distress that isn’t recognized or acted upon in time.
Signs of HIE may include:
- Low APGAR scores
- Need for resuscitation at birth
- Seizures within 24 hours
- Muscle stiffness or limpness
- Need for NICU admission and cooling therapy
Top Causes of HIE During Labor and Delivery
Many of the known causes of HIE are preventable with proper monitoring and timely intervention. Here are some of the most common:
- Delayed or Failed Emergency C-Section
When a baby is in distress and not delivered quickly, oxygen can be lost. - Fetal Distress Ignored or Misread
Abnormal heart rate patterns on fetal monitors are often the first signs of trouble. - Umbilical Cord Problems
- Cord prolapse (cord drops into birth canal ahead of baby)
- Nuchal cord (cord wrapped around baby’s neck)
- Cord compression
- Placental Abruption
The placenta separates from the uterus early, cutting off the oxygen supply. - Uterine Rupture
Especially in VBAC deliveries, the uterus can tear and cause massive oxygen loss. - Overuse or Misuse of Pitocin
Excessive contractions can reduce blood flow to the baby. - Infection or Maternal Illness
Untreated infections or fevers during labor can reduce fetal oxygenation. - Failure to Resuscitate at Birth
Improper or delayed intervention in the delivery room may allow injury to progress.
Why You May Not Have Been Told
In many hospitals, families are simply told that “sometimes these things happen.” But in reality, many cases of HIE are the result of errors, delays, or poor monitoring—and could have been prevented with better care.
If your baby was diagnosed with HIE, required cooling therapy, or now has Cerebral Palsy, it’s time to ask:
Was this a medical mistake?
You may be eligible for significant compensation if your child experienced any of the above. Schedule your FREE case review call today. Our team will review your medical records for FREE. If negligence is found, our team will file and work to recover compensation for you and your child. There is never a fee or cost to you. Our team only gets paid if we recover money for you.
What happens next?
2. Consult with a member of our intake team.
3. Our dedicated attorneys will review your case for free.
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