Sepsis
Babies’ immune systems are not yet fully developed when they are born, making them susceptible to dangerous infections. When these bacterial infections affect the blood, it is called sepsis. Because the blood flows to every organ and cell throughout the body, it can quickly spread the infection throughout the newborn’s body.
A baby can develop a harmful sepsis infection if he or she is exposed to pathogens during or right after delivery. If your doctor has allowed this exposure to occur, resulting in a birth infection to your precious newborn, you should contact a Philadelphia birth injury lawyer from Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. today at 215-238-1130.
Signs of a Blood Infection
Of course, your baby cannot vocalize his or her symptoms to you in case of sepsis. Therefore, it is important to know the signs of a blood infection so that a doctor can stop the bacteria before it spreads to vital organs. Symptoms of sepsis include:
- Listlessness
- Loss of appetite
- Fever or low body temperature
- Rapid heartbeat and breathing
- Rash
When sepsis becomes more than the immune system can handle, it causes a drop in blood pressure and poor organ function. This is called septic shock, and it can result in a loss of consciousness that signifies a severe infection.
How Babies Contract Sepsis
Babies are at risk for sepsis if the membranes surrounding them in the womb are prematurely ruptured without inducing or otherwise removing the child. Additionally, infections in the mother such as group B streptococcus can also transfer a blood infection to the newborn. Doctors should be aware of these dangers and work to prevent them from causing harm to your baby.
Contact Us
If your doctor’s negligence in treating these conditions has resulted in a birth infection such as sepsis in your child, contact the Philadelphia birth injury lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. at 215-238-1130 today.