Can Failure to Monitor Fetal Heart Rate Cause Cerebral Palsy?

 Posted on July 15, 2025 in Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition that can affect a child’s movement, posture, and muscle coordination. While some cases are unpreventable, others result from medical negligence during labor and delivery. One common cause of preventable cerebral palsy is the failure to properly monitor the baby’s heart rate during childbirth.

Fetal heart monitoring provides critical information about a baby’s well-being during labor. When doctors or nurses fail to respond to signs of fetal distress, serious brain injuries, including those that lead to cerebral palsy, can result. As of July 2025, Illinois law continues to allow families to pursue compensation when medical negligence causes or contributes to a birth injury. If your family has been impacted, speak with a Cook County, IL birth injury lawyer to understand your options.

What Does Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring Do?

Fetal heart rate monitors track the baby’s heart rate and look for signs of distress, such as oxygen deprivation. These signs can include a slowing or irregular heartbeat, especially during contractions. Continuous monitoring is often used when there are known complications, high-risk pregnancies, or the use of labor-inducing medications.

When abnormal heart patterns appear, medical staff are expected to act quickly. They may need to adjust medication, change the mother’s position, or perform an emergency C-section. Failing to take appropriate action in time can result in oxygen loss and permanent brain damage.

How Can Lack of Heart Rate Monitoring Lead to Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy often results from a lack of oxygen to the baby’s brain, known as hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Without prompt medical intervention, HIE can cause irreversible damage.

Failure to monitor or respond to fetal heart rate abnormalities can cause or worsen:

• Oxygen deprivation due to a compressed umbilical cord

• Placental abruption or uterine rupture

• Prolonged labor or delayed C-section

• Infections that stress the baby during delivery

When these events go unnoticed or untreated, they can lead to developmental delays, motor issues, and lifelong disability associated with cerebral palsy.

Can You Sue for Cerebral Palsy Caused by Medical Negligence in Illinois?

Under 735 ILCS 5/2-622 of Illinois Medical Malpractice Law, parents can file a medical malpractice lawsuit when a doctor, nurse, or hospital fails to meet the accepted standard of care and their negligence causes harm. In birth injury cases involving cerebral palsy, these lawsuits may seek compensation for medical expenses, including future care and therapy; specialized equipment and home modifications; pain and suffering; loss of future earning potential; and emotional distress.

Families often need significant resources to support a child with cerebral palsy. A successful claim can help secure the care and quality of life your child deserves.

Contact a Chicago, IL Birth Injury Attorney

If your child was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and you believe it may be linked to improper fetal monitoring or delivery complications, contact a Cook County, IL birth injury lawyer. Birth injury cases are medically and legally complex. Birth Injury Law Alliance, Ltd. has recovered multiple multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for children who suffered preventable injuries at birth. 

Our team understands what it takes to build a strong case using expert testimony, medical records, and thorough investigation. We offer free consultations and are here to help you understand your options and fight for justice. Call us today at 312-462-4200 to learn more.