Intrauterine growth restriction or retardation occurs when an unborn child fails to grow at the expected rate in the womb during pregnancy. This restricted growth can be caused by a lack of oxygen or lack of intrauterine nutrition from the placenta. Additional causes include high altitude, a pregnancy with multiple fetuses, placental issues, eclampsia, preeclampsia, problems at birth, congenital and chromosomal abnormalities, and maternal infections.
To determine the expected size of the unborn child, a specialized measurement called uterine fundal height is taken. Throughout the pregnancy, health care providers measure the distance from the mother’s pubic bone to the top of her uterus. This value typically corresponds to the number of weeks along in the pregnancy.
When a health care provider suspects a smaller than expected size and weight, they will typically confirm this diagnosis via fundal height and a follow-up ultrasound. Additional tests may be ordered if an infection or genetic problem is thought to be at the root of the intrauterine growth restriction or retardation.
Birth Injury Lawsuit
Intrauterine growth restriction or retardation can lead to serious health risks and potential newborn fatalities. If your physician failed to correctly monitor the growth, movements, and fluid levels around your unborn child, they might be liable for any subsequent injuries or pregnancy losses. Speak with an attorney who can help you determine your options.
Intrauterine Growth Restriction Retardation
Babies who have intrauterine growth restriction or retardation may require special care, including extra support after birth and close monitoring. Many of the most serious effects of intrauterine growth restriction are preventable or treatable as long as the doctor recognizes them early and acts quickly. Failure to do so could constitute medical malpractice.
If your child sustained birth injuries related to intrauterine growth restriction or retardation, the Birth Injury Lawyers Group can connect you with a birth injury lawyer for intrauterine growth restriction retardation who handles this type of case in your state. Call (800) 278-9191 or complete the contact form to get started today.
INTRAUTERINE GROWTH RESTRICTION MAY SUPPORT A VALID BIRTH INJURY CLAIM OR MEDICAL MALPRACTICE LAWSUIT
Intrauterine growth restriction may occur when certain conditions go undiagnosed and untreated in the mother. This includes:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes or gestational diabetes
- Anemia
- Some kidney diseases
- Alcohol, smoking, or drug use
- Lupus or other autoimmune disorders
- Very low body weight or obesity
- Poor nutrition
Unmonitored or undiagnosed conditions related to the baby may also cause intrauterine growth restriction. This includes:
- Infection
- Heart defects
- Genetic disorders
- Multiple births
Babies with intrauterine growth restriction or retardation are among the smallest 10 percent of babies born at their gestational age. It can cause:
- Respiratory issues
- Infections
- Stillbirth and death
A BIRTH INJURY ATTORNEY CAN HELP YOU UNDERSTAND YOUR LEGAL OPTIONS FOR PURSUING A PAYOUT
When monitoring a pregnancy, doctors use regular ultrasounds and other tests to keep tabs on a baby’s growth and development. If the infant does not grow as expected, early delivery or other intervention may be necessary. If a doctor fails to recognize and diagnose a problem with the baby’s growth and does not take the appropriate action, the baby may suffer birth injuries or even death.
If your child had complications following undiagnosed or preventable intrauterine growth restriction retardation, your family may be eligible to take legal action against the doctor or hospital. A birth injury lawyer for intrauterine growth restriction retardation in your state can review your case and explain:
- The strength of your case
- Your legal options for pursuing compensation
- How the medical malpractice process works in your state
- Any deadlines that apply in your case
If you decide to try to hold the doctor or hospital liable for your child’s birth injuries, your attorney will work to enlist the help of one or more medical expert witnesses who can confirm the acceptable standard of care and provide testimony about how your doctor failed to uphold it. Your attorney will also collect additional evidence to support your case and document your damages.
They will use the case they build to attempt to reach an out-of-court settlement that provides a just payout for your family. If this is not possible, they may be able to file a medical malpractice lawsuit and get a verdict on your behalf.
TALK TO A BIRTH INJURY LAWYER FOR INTRAUTERINE GROWTH RESTRICTION RETARDATION
With the Birth Injury Lawyers Group, you can connect with an attorney who handles birth injury cases in your state today. You can get a free case review and consultation with an attorney who understands your state’s medical malpractice laws. Call us today at (800) 278-9191 or complete the contact form to get started.