Meconium Aspiration Syndrome
Meconium aspiration syndrome (also known as MAS) occurs when a newborn inhales meconium (fecal matter) and amniotic fluid during birth, thereby compromising the child’s lungs and breathing capabilities. When the baby breathes in the matter, it can have serious consequences and could even result in death. Therefore, immediate medical action is required.
Obstetricians, nurses and other healthcare professionals are required to provide a reasonable standard of care to all patients. Because of this, if MAS is detected in a newborn, doctors should immediately suction the lungs of the newborn and monitor the child closely for further complications. If your child had MAS and you believe he or she was not treated responsibly by medical staff, contact the Philadelphia birth injury attorneys of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. at 215-238-1130 today.
Symptoms and Signs of Meconium Aspiration Syndrome
Possible complications of MAS include the following:
- Brain damage due to fetal hypoxia
- Collapsed lung
- Difficulty breathing that can last for several days
- Aspiration pneumonia
- Pulmonary hypertension of newborn
- Permanent lung damage
There are certain signs that doctors should look out for in order to diagnose MAS as early as possible. This includes fetal distress, high blood pressure or diabetes in the mother, or a difficult delivery. Appropriate fetal monitoring can often alert doctors to this condition soon enough for adequate treatment. If this is neglected or not responded to quickly enough, medical malpractice may have occurred.
Contact Us
If your child experienced complications or malpractice related to MAS, contact the Philadelphia birth injury lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. at 215-238-1130 today to learn more about your legal rights and options.