Understanding Fetal Lie: Its Impact on Pregnancy and Delivery

The fetal lie of this woman's baby will affect how difficult delivery will be.

The term fetal lie refers to the alignment of a baby’s spine relative to the mother’s spine during pregnancy. This orientation plays a crucial role in determining the progress of labor and delivery. While most babies adopt a longitudinal lie—ideal for vaginal delivery—other orientations, such as breech or transverse, can lead to complications and require…

Read More

HIE Meaning: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments Explained

HIE sometimes means therapeutic hypothermia such as being performed here.

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a serious medical condition that occurs when a baby’s brain doesn’t receive enough oxygen or blood flow during pregnancy, labor, or delivery. This lack of oxygen can cause significant brain damage, leading to lifelong challenges such as developmental delays, cerebral palsy, or intellectual disabilities. Understanding HIE—its causes, treatments, and potential legal…

Read More

Cerebral Palsy Treatment for Adults: Exploring Options and Understanding Your Legal Rights

Physical therapy can be an invaluable part of treatment for Cerebral Palsy in adults.

Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition affecting movement, muscle tone, and posture. While often associated with childhood, many adults living with cerebral palsy face unique challenges that require tailored treatments. This article explores treatments for adults with cerebral palsy, addressing physical therapy, adaptive equipment, surgical options, and more. Understanding Cerebral Palsy in Adulthood Cerebral palsy…

Read More

Hypoxic Episodes: Recognizing and Treating Oxygen Deprivation

Doctor working on patient suffering hypoxic episode.

A hypoxic episode occurs when the body’s tissues, especially the brain, receive insufficient oxygen. This lack of oxygen, known as hypoxia, can have significant effects on health, particularly for infants during birth. When oxygen levels drop during critical moments, hypoxic episodes can lead to conditions like hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), a type of brain injury. Understanding…

Read More

What is Spastic Hemiplegia? One-Sided Cerebral Palsy Explained

Child with spastic hemiplegia.

Spastic hemiplegia is a type of cerebral palsy that affects one side of the body, resulting in muscle stiffness and difficulty with movement on that side. Cerebral palsy itself is a neurological condition caused by brain damage that typically occurs before, during, or shortly after birth. In cases of spastic hemiplegia, one side of the…

Read More

What is a Hypoxic Seizure?

Baby suffering from the aftermath of a hypoxic seizure.

A hypoxic seizure occurs when the brain experiences abnormal electrical activity due to oxygen deprivation. This condition is most commonly seen in newborns or infants who have suffered from a lack of oxygen at birth, but it can also occur later in life. Seizures caused by oxygen deprivation can lead to long-term neurological damage if…

Read More

How a Lack of Oxygen at Birth Impacts Newborns

Lack of oxygen during births such as this one can lead to developmental disorders and other issues.

A lack of oxygen at birth can be one of the most severe complications during labor and delivery, potentially leading to permanent brain damage, developmental delays, or even death. This condition occurs when a baby does not receive adequate oxygen during labor or immediately following delivery. Oxygen deprivation, also called birth asphyxia, can have serious…

Read More

Understanding the Posterior Baby Position

Woman pregnant with baby in posterior position

The posterior baby position occurs when the baby’s head is down, but their back is aligned with the mother’s back, and their face is facing the mother’s abdomen. Often referred to as the “sunny side up” baby position, this orientation can make labor more challenging and prolonged. While many babies are born in the posterior…

Read More