Baltimore Fetal Macrosomia Lawyer
There is a large range of birth weights that are considered normal for newborns. Sometimes, though, a baby is much larger than the average weight and this is known as fetal macrosomia. Fetal macrosomia is not diagnosed until birth, but doctors should determine if the baby is too large for their gestational age while they are still in the womb. It is important that doctors determine when a child is particularly large so it does not result in painful birth injuries and other complications.
If you gave birth to a newborn who was larger than average and they were injured as a result, you may be able to collect civil damages for any losses you and your child incurred. A Baltimore fetal macrosomia lawyer can review the facts of your case and will help you claim the full settlement you are entitled to.
Who is at Risk for Fetal Macrosomia?
Macrosomia literally translates to ‘large body,’ and while it does not necessarily pose a risk to newborns or their mothers in and of itself, it can result in birth injuries. Newborns are considered to have fetal macrosomia when they are over a certain birth weight. Women who suffer from gestational diabetes or excessive weight gain during their pregnancy are most at risk for fetal macrosomia. Parents who are larger than average or who suffer from diabetes mellitus are also more at risk of having a baby born with fetal macrosomia.
It is not possible to determine the exact weight of a baby until they are born, but doctors should use ultrasounds to estimate the baby’s size and to determine if they are larger than average. When it is determined that a baby is likely larger than normal, the doctor can then make the necessary adjustments to the care of the mother and baby. For example, if a mother develops gestational diabetes during pregnancy, a doctor may try to limit the mother’s weight gain by managing the diabetes.
Infants who are larger than normal may suffer from an increased risk of oxygen deprivation, shoulder dystocia, and nerve damage. This is because larger babies are more difficult to deliver. As such, doctors will often recommend a Cesarean section instead of a vaginal birth to reduce the risk to both the infant and the mother.
Liability in Fetal Macrosomia Cases
Mothers rely on the doctors caring for them during pregnancy to shield them from as much harm as possible. When doctors do not take the appropriate steps to provide that care and the mother or child becomes hurt as a result, parents can file a medical malpractice claim against them.
In Baltimore, as throughout the rest of Maryland, you must prove the doctor or other healthcare provider was negligent. This means that while they did not intentionally hurt you, their careless actions did and you now have a right to pursue damages. To prove negligence in a medical malpractice case in the state, you must obtain a certificate of merit from a professional in the same field. That certificate must state that the attending doctor did not take the appropriate care another specialist in the same field would have taken.
Speak to Our Experienced Birth Injury Lawyers in Baltimore Today
Larger babies can experience significant birth injuries when doctors have not taken the proper care. When that is the case, you should speak to one of our Baltimore birth injury lawyers at Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman, LLC who can help you collect the full compensation you deserve. Call us today at 410-998-3600 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
