Maryland Fetal Macrosomia Lawyer
Newborn babies tend to be around 7 or 8 pounds. When a baby weighs 9 pounds or more, it is considered to be macrosomic. Fetal macrosomia may not seem like a big deal, but it can result in various complications, especially if the baby is attempted to be delivered naturally.
Specifically, macrosomia can cause maternal and/or fetal trauma during birth, as the extra weight can complicate vaginal delivery. In fact, one of the most common complications is shoulder dystocia, which occurs when the baby’s shoulders get stuck inside the mother’s body during delivery. For the baby, shoulder dystocia can cause fractures in the collarbone or humerus. It can also cause nerve damage, brain damage, and even death. For the mother, shoulder dystocia can cause heavy bleeding, a ruptured uterus, or a vagina injury that requires stitches. Fetal macrosomia can also lead to hypoglycemia and respiratory problems for the baby, as well as insulin resistance and obesity.
Because of the risks involved, doctors need to monitor pregnant women who show the signs of possible macrosomia. Contact the Maryland fetal macrosomia lawyers at Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman to learn more about your legal options.
Signs of Fetal Macrosomia
Doctors will look for several things to diagnose fetal macrosomia:
- Large fundal height, which is the distance from the top of your uterus to your pubic bone
- Excessive amniotic fluid, which could mean more urine output and a baby that is larger than average
- Excessive weight based on ultrasound calculations
Can the Doctor Be Held Liable?
Although medical malpractice doesn’t directly cause fetal macrosomia, a lack of proper medical diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment can lead to serious complications that could have been prevented had the doctor not been negligent.
If a baby has macrosomia and the doctor does not diagnose it before birth, it can result in serious problems during delivery. The baby could get stuck in the birth canal due to its large size. When fetal macrosomia is diagnosed in advance, the doctor can discuss the risks with the mother and come up with a plan. For example, if gestational diabetes is the cause, the pregnant mother may be referred to a nutritionist to keep her blood sugar under control and keep the baby at a decent size.
If the doctor does not take appropriate action and the baby or mother are harmed as a result, then the doctor may have committed medical practice. The mother may be able to file a lawsuit and receive compensation for damages.
Contact Us Today
A too-large baby can lead to complications for both the baby and the mother. It can make labor and delivery harder for everyone involved.
For the most part, doctors should be able to keep macrosomia from occurring by monitoring pregnant women and checking for conditions such as gestational diabetes. When they don’t, the baby can get too big and suffer complications. You may be able to sue for this type of medical malpractice. Seek legal help from the experienced Maryland personal injury lawyers at Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman. Schedule a consultation today by calling (410) 567-0800.
