Breathing Problems at Birth

Breathing Problems at Birth: A Critical Warning Sign of Birth Injury

The first moments of a newborn’s life are crucial, as they transition from receiving oxygen through the placenta to breathing independently. When a baby struggles to breathe at birth, it can signal serious medical complications, including hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), birth asphyxia, and brain damage. Breathing difficulties require immediate medical intervention to prevent permanent injury or even death. When healthcare providers fail to monitor and respond appropriately, the consequences can be devastating.

Why Do Some Newborns Have Breathing Problems?

There are several potential causes of respiratory distress at birth, many of which are preventable with proper medical care. Some of the most common include:

1. Oxygen Deprivation (Birth Asphyxia)

When a baby’s oxygen supply is compromised during labor and delivery, they may be born in distress and struggle to breathe. Common causes of birth asphyxia include:

Delayed emergency C-section despite signs of fetal distress
Uterine hyperstimulation from labor-inducing drugs like Pitocin or Cytotec
Umbilical cord complications, such as cord compression or prolapse
Placental abruption, where the placenta separates from the uterus prematurely
Failure to monitor fetal heart rate continuously

2. Delayed or Improper Resuscitation

If a newborn isn’t breathing at birth, immediate resuscitation is required. In some cases, medical providers fail to act quickly or do not have the necessary personnel present. Delayed resuscitation can cause:

Severe oxygen deprivation leading to brain damage (HIE)
Irreversible organ damage due to prolonged low oxygen levels
Long-term disabilities, including cerebral palsy and intellectual impairments

3. Medical Errors in Labor and Delivery

Medical mistakes—such as improper administration of labor-inducing drugs or misinterpreting fetal heart rate tracings—can cause dangerous conditions that lead to breathing difficulties at birth. Some errors that increase the risk of birth-related breathing problems include:

Inadequate fetal monitoring, leading to unrecognized distress
Failure to recognize non-reassuring fetal heart rate patterns
Excessive use of Pitocin, leading to uterine hyperstimulation and oxygen deprivation
Failure to have a resuscitation team immediately available at birth

Signs of Breathing Problems at Birth

Parents may notice concerning signs in their newborn, such as:

Weak or absent cry
Bluish or pale skin (cyanosis)
Grunting, gasping, or labored breathing
Flared nostrils
Chest retractions (visible pulling in of the chest with each breath)
Low Apgar scores

If a newborn is struggling to breathe, medical providers should act immediately by clearing the airway, providing oxygen, or performing resuscitation measures.

The Link Between Breathing Problems and Brain Injury

Oxygen deprivation at birth can have lifelong consequences, particularly when it leads to HIE, cerebral palsy, or developmental delays. When the brain is deprived of oxygen, cells begin to die within minutes, causing damage that may be visible on an MRI.

Some of the long-term conditions associated with birth-related breathing problems include:

Cerebral palsy (motor impairment and muscle coordination issues)
Seizure disorders (neonatal seizures are often a sign of brain injury)
Intellectual disabilities (learning and cognitive impairments)
Speech and language delays

When Breathing Problems Are the Result of Medical Negligence

While some newborns naturally struggle to transition to independent breathing, many cases of respiratory distress are preventable. If a medical provider fails to monitor, recognize, or respond to fetal distress and breathing difficulties, it can constitute medical malpractice.

Medical professionals must:

✔️ Properly monitor fetal heart rate throughout labor and delivery
✔️ Act swiftly in response to signs of distress (e.g., performing a timely C-section)
✔️ Ensure a trained neonatal resuscitation team is immediately available
✔️ Avoid excessive use of labor-inducing drugs that can lead to oxygen deprivation

Seeking Justice for Your Child

If your child suffered a birth injury due to breathing problems at birth, you may have legal options. At Van Wey, Metzler & Williams, we specialize in complex birth injury cases, fighting for families who have experienced medical negligence during labor and delivery.

We know this is overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. Our team is here to hold negligent providers accountable and help secure the resources your child needs for a better future.

Van Wey, Metzler & Williams