What Is Marginal Cord Insertion?

Muhammad Ramadan | January 15, 2025 | Birth Injuries

It’s an unfortunate reality that some types of birth injuries in Illinois are impossible to fully heal once they develop. One such issue is marginal cord insertion. A medical professional who diagnoses the problem in a timely manner and monitors the fetus’ progress can avoid complications, but what if this professional is negligent in their care? 

Take a closer look at what marginal cord insertion is and when it may be time to file a claim if your baby sustains this injury in Chicago. 

Marginal Cord Insertions: What They Are and How They Occur

Marginal cord insertion refers to an abnormal attachment of the umbilical cord. Instead of attaching at the center of the placenta, it attaches to the margins. This can lead to restricted blood flow and a slower growth rate for the fetus. 

This complication occurs very early in the pregnancy when the placental cells start growing in the wrong place. 

The exact cause isn’t yet understood, but some factors that can increase the likelihood of a marginal cord insertion include:

• Maternal age over 35
• Pregnancy with multiples, such as twins or triplets
• First-time pregnancy
• Drug misuse during pregnancy
• Use of in vitro fertilization 
• Maternal chronic diseases, like hypertension and diabetes

Marginal cord insertions aren’t correctable. A doctor must quickly realize that it has happened and ensure that they’re monitoring the fetus appropriately throughout the pregnancy. 

Complications Related To Marginal Cord Insertion

Although marginal cord insertions might not cause any problems in some pregnancies, they can lead to serious issues, such as brain injuries, in others — especially if the baby isn’t carefully observed.

For example, if a doctor fails to diagnose marginal cord insertion, your baby could face a delayed birth. They could also experience oxygen deprivation, which can result in cerebral palsy and many other life-threatening issues. 

The birth can be much more complicated in mothers who have a marginal cord insertion, too. They can suffer heavy bleeding, which could put their lives at risk. 

A medical professional who is aware of the problem will take extra steps to check on the fetus as it develops and will notice if there are issues that can be addressed with an early delivery.

Was There Medical Malpractice?

When medical malpractice results in birth injuries in Illinois, a legal option that parents have is to file a personal injury claim. A claim won’t undo the injuries your child has experienced, but it can help you recover compensation to pay for medical care and additional needs that your child may have. 

If your child has experienced any issues in their development because of a marginal cord insertion, perhaps the most important question to consider is whether the medical provider who monitored the pregnancy breached their duty of care. Proving that a breach occurred is essential to the success of your claim.

A key difficulty of medical malpractice claims is that you must show that another medical provider with the same level of experience and training wouldn’t have made the errors that led to the injuries. That often requires getting testimonies from expert witnesses who can state that the injury could have been avoided. 

While dealing with an injured newborn, it can feel overwhelming to file a claim on your own. By relying on medical malpractice lawyers, however, you can focus on helping your baby while those with legal experience protect your rights. 

Consulting a Medical Malpractice Lawyer Is Vital

A birth injury can affect your child’s life for years to come. However, with a Chicago medical malpractice attorney by your side, it can be easier to manage the aftermath of a birth injury that occurred because of an undiagnosed or mismanaged marginal cord insertion. 

Your attorney can fiercely negotiate with insurers on your behalf so that you can receive the compensation you and your child deserve.

Contact Our Chicago Birth Injury Law Firm For Help Today

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Chicago, Illinois, and need legal help, contact our experienced birth injury lawyers at Attorneys of Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.

We proudly serve Cook County and its surrounding areas: