Fetal macrosomia could constitute medical malpractice if a doctor failed to perform standard screenings, ignored clear risk factors, or missed obvious signs during prenatal care. When these oversights lead to birth injuries, the healthcare provider may be held liable for all resulting injuries.
Families reeling from birth injuries may be compensated through a medical malpractice claim.
Doctor Failed to Diagnose Fetal Macrosomia?
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What is Fetal Macrosomia?
Macrosomia is an obstetric condition derived from the Greek words macro meaning big; and somia which refers to the body. Infants are diagnosed with macrosomia when they exceed 4000g, regardless of gestational age. In 2015, about 7% of all infants weighed more than 4kg; 1% weighed more than 4.5kg.[1]
Gestational diabetes is the most common cause of macrosomia. Medical teams can mitigate the chance of birth injuries through a cesarean delivery.[2] Through early diagnosis, medical providers can tailor a delivery plan that caters to the well-being of both mother and child.
How is Fetal Macrosomia Diagnosed?
Medical providers may conduct several tests to diagnose macrosomia. These tests subject both mother and child; accounting for the indicators below.[1]
Testing the Mother’s:
- Blood sugar
- Blood pressure
- Complete blood count
- Urine
Babies, on the other hand, are monitored via ultrasound. After this imaging exam, doctors should also check an infant’s:[1]
- Blood sugar
- Calcium and magnesium levels
- Bilirubin
- Blood count
- Breathing
Ideally, tests for the mother should be done between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. These tests can also be done when screening for other potential birth complications. A responsible doctor will conduct tests and screenings promptly.
Fetal Macrosomia and Medical Negligence
Causation is one key element of a medical malpractice claim. Some of the possible medical negligences that doctors can commit include (but are not limited to):
- Failure to screen for gestational diabetes at 24-28 weeks, especially in high-risk patients.
- Failure to detect signs of macrosomia through routine ultrasound and measurements during prenatal care
- Failure to properly monitor and manage maternal diabetes/blood sugar levels during pregnancy
- Failure to consider cesarean delivery when macrosomia is diagnosed
- Failure to perform appropriate post-birth testing of the newborn
- Failure to obtain a comprehensive medical history of the mother
- Failure to promptly treat complications in mother or baby resulting from macrosomia
In a medical malpractice claim, your legal counsel would work diligently to establish that these medical lapses have directly resulted in either maternal or fetal injuries.
Associated Risk Factors
Pregnancies require close monitoring. High-risk pregnancies even more so. Upon initial visit, doctors should note all important maternal factors. This will allow them to preempt any potential complications. These associated factors include:[1]
- Gestational Diabetes
- Obesity
- Polyhydramnios (excess amniotic fluid)
- Previous macrosomic cases
- Parity (number of previous babies)
By properly acknowledging these risk factors, doctors can better tend to pregnancies and plan deliveries accordingly. Failure to diagnose fetal macrosomia is grounds for a medical malpractice claim.
Birth Injuries from Missed Fetal Macrosomia?
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Potential Long-Term Complications of Macrosomia
Mismanaged macrosomia can harm both mother and child, with its potential long-term impairments including:
For Mothers
- Chronic pelvic floor dysfunction
- Persistent urinary incontinence
- Chronic pains
- Higher risk of future pregnancy complications
- Psychological and emotional trauma
For Infants
- Developmental delays
- Physical impairments
- Cerebral palsy
- Learning disabilities
- Sensory impairments (deafness, blindness, etc.)
- Higher risk of obesity in childhood and adulthood
A medical malpractice claim considers all medical expenses (past and future). Other economic and non-economic losses are also factored in. Lost income, emotional trauma, and decreased quality of life are some of the more common considerations.
In birth injury cases, compensation ensures that an injured child is provided with all the necessary support for their growth and development. Injured mothers must also be allowed to return to their healthiest state. For actual compensation figures, please refer to our previous wins.
Speak to a Medical Malpractice Lawyer Today
At the Porter Law Group, our team of proven medical malpractice lawyers delivers ideal results. We take pride in helping families rebuild after unfavorable circumstances. We operate on a contingency basis – meaning you do not need to pay us anything unless we win your case. Through this approach, we can better support families during their times of need.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of medical malpractice, please reach out to us for a non-obligatory free case evaluation. You can also contact us at 833-PORTER9 or info@porterlawteam.com to schedule a consultation.
