Fetal macrosomia is the medical term for a large infant. A baby with fetal macrosomia weighs at least 4,000 grams, or 8 pounds and 13 ounces. In general, there are few health concerns related to fetal macrosomia until the baby reaches about 4,500 grams (9 pounds and 15 ounces).
A baby weighing almost ten pounds can experience significant complications if delivered vaginally and may face additional risks of birth injury or illness after birth, as well.
Risk factors for having a very large baby include:
- Maternal diabetes, including gestational diabetes or diabetes type I or II
- A history of having babies with fetal macrosomia
- If you had fetal macrosomia as an infant
- The mother is significantly overweight or obese
- Excessive weight gain during pregnancy
- Previous pregnancies, since the risk increases with each pregnancy
- Going more than two weeks past the due date
- A mother over age 35
The most common issue caused by fetal macrosomia is labor complications. Vaginal delivery of a baby with fetal macrosomia can be difficult or impossible. The baby can get stuck in the birth canal, and labor will not progress. Your doctor may need to use forceps or a vacuum device to deliver the baby. All of these steps can increase the child’s risk of birth injuries.
In addition, babies with fetal macrosomia may have complications after birth that include:
- Low blood sugar levels in the first hours and days after birth
- Difficulty managing their blood sugar after birth
- Childhood obesity
- Metabolic syndrome
With proper monitoring, a doctor should recognize signs of fetal macrosomia and take steps to reduce the risk of birth injuries, including ordering a cesarean section (C-section) delivery when necessary. Failure to diagnose macrosomia or take action may be grounds for a birth injury lawsuit if your newborn sustained injuries caused by their large size at birth.
Fetal Macrosomia Increases the Risk for Many Types of Birth Injuries
According to the Mayo Clinic, “fetal macrosomia” are large infants weighing greater than 8 pounds and 13 ounces (4,000 grams) at birth. Because of their size, there can be significant complications during delivery. The baby could get stuck in the birth canal and necessitate an emergency C-section delivery, or the doctor may need to use devices such as forceps or a vacuum extractor to help deliver the baby.
Without quick action, the baby may suffer brain damage, head trauma, cerebral palsy, and other injuries during their difficult delivery. Uncontrolled gestational diabetes and post-term babies who go far past their due date are two common causes of fetal macrosomia.
To schedule a free consultation with a birth injury lawyer for fetal macrosomia in your state, call the Birth Injury Lawyers Group at 1-844-908-0346, or complete the contact form.
A Birth Injury Lawyer in Your State Can Help You Pursue Compensation
You may have grounds for a birth injury medical malpractice case if:
- A doctor or other medical care provider failed to recognize fetal macrosomia or take proper precautions to reduce the risk of birth injury
- Your newborn sustained a birth injury related to their large size
The best way to learn more about your rights, legal options, and whether you have a valid case is to let a birth injury attorney in your state review your case for free. They will know what it takes to pursue–and win–this type of case, either reaching a fair out-of-court settlement or getting a verdict in civil court.
If your attorney can recover a payout in your case, it will cover many of the expenses and losses your family experienced because of your child’s birth injury. This may include:
- Medical treatment costs
- Ongoing and future care costs
- Related expenses for mobility devices and other aides
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
Each state has laws about medical malpractice cases, including how long you have to take legal action. Your attorney will be able to explain any deadlines and work to build a case on your behalf before time runs out, when possible.
Talk to a Birth Injury Lawyer for Fetal Macrosomia
At the Birth Injury Lawyers Group, you will be connected to a birth injury lawyer for fetal macrosomia in your state. They can pursue justice for your newborn. To get started, fill out the contact form or call 1-844-908-0346 now.