Neonatal hypoglycaemia and birth injuries

Neonatal hypoglycaemia is a condition that appears shortly after a baby is born if it is not given the correct medical attention. If this condition is not dealt with immediately, the baby could be at risk of a birth injury that results in permanent disability or even death.

Failure of medical staff to act quickly and appropriately or to detect this condition can constitute the basis for a medical negligence compensation claim.

What is neonatal hypoglycaemia?
Neonatal (relating to newborn children) hypoglycaemia indicates a blood glucose level of less than 2.5mmol per litre. It occurs in 0.4 % of all births but children of diabetic mothers are more likely to have it.

A newborn baby is extremely sensitive and vulnerable and doesn't know how to adapt to changing levels of glucose. While the baby is in the womb, the level of glucose it receives is constant as the mother's body works to keep her baby alive. After birth, its sustenance comes from breast feeding.

Most babies learn to adapt fairly quickly but others develop low levels of blood sugar. A lower than normal concentration of blood sugar can cause a serious birth injury like brain damage. Along with the babies of diabetic mothers, children with growth retardation, pre-term and asphyxiated children are more susceptible to this condition.

Tests and symptoms
Basic test results often reveal that a baby has neonatal hypoglycaemia. However, if symptoms aren't obvious doctors may not realise the extent to which a baby is suffering and won't take appropriate action to prevent a birth injury as a result.

Low blood glucose levels and neurological disturbances like seizures need to be observed for a diagnosis of injury due to glucose deficiency to be given. Other warning signs include low birth weight and hypothermia.

Prevention of neonatal hypoglycaemia
Controlling maternal diabetes and managing labour properly is important in preventing this condition and avoiding a birth injury. This can include avoiding caesareans and intravenous glucose infusions, making sure the baby is dry which reduces heat loss and giving it milk immediately after delivery.

Claiming birth injury compensation Neonatal hypoglycaemia can be extremely serious with long-term consequences for your child if they suffer brain damage. If you think your baby has been the subject of medical negligence during or after delivery and has sustained a birth injury it is vital that you seek advice immediately. Read about other types of birth injury.

All of our personal injury solicitors are members of the Law Society and have first-hand experience of dealing with birth injury cases. They will approach your medical negligence claim sympathetically and carefully and will be dedicated to getting you the best possible result.

Call us now on 0800 10 757 95 to find out more about getting birth injury compensation with YouClaim. We will take you step-by-step through the claims process and let you know how to go about making a birth injury claim.