Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is when an unborn baby is not growing at the expected rate during pregnancy. Specifically, it means the baby’s estimated weight is below the 10th percentile for their gestational age. This restricted growth can lead to various health complications before and after birth.
If your baby was diagnosed with IUGR during pregnancy or after birth, you likely have many questions about what caused this condition and whether it could have been prevented. When medical professionals fail to monitor, diagnose, or treat IUGR properly, it can lead to serious complications for your child.
This guide will help you understand IUGR, its potential causes, and what legal options may be available if medical negligence contributed to your child’s condition. If you believe malpractice harmed your baby, contact our birth injury lawyers in Phoenix for a free consultation.
Types of Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Medical professionals recognize two types of intrauterine growth restriction, each with different causes and implications for your baby’s health.
Symmetric (Primary) IUGR
In symmetric IUGR, all parts of your baby’s body are proportionally small. This type typically begins early in pregnancy and often results from:
- Chromosomal abnormalities
- Congenital infections
- Maternal substance use
- Genetic disorders
Asymmetric (Secondary) IUGR
Asymmetric IUGR occurs when your baby’s body parts grow at different rates. Typically, the head size remains normal, while the abdomen and limbs are smaller. This type usually develops later in pregnancy and commonly results from:
- Placental insufficiency
- Maternal high blood pressure
- Multiple pregnancies
- Maternal diabetes
- Preeclampsia
This form of IUGR often indicates problems with nutrient delivery to your baby. With proper medical care and monitoring, some cases of asymmetric IUGR can be managed to improve outcomes.
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What Causes Intrauterine Growth Restriction?
Several factors can contribute to IUGR development:
- Maternal health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease
- Placental problems affecting blood flow and nutrient delivery
- Multiple pregnancies (twins or triplets)
- Infections during pregnancy
- Chromosomal abnormalities
While some causes are unavoidable, others may result from inadequate prenatal care or missed warning signs. Doctors diagnose IUGR through regular prenatal measurements, ultrasounds, and monitoring of the mother’s fundal height. Early detection is crucial for proper management and preventing serious complications.
Signs of Medical Negligence in IUGR Cases
Healthcare providers must monitor fetal growth and take appropriate action when growth restrictions are detected. Potential signs of medical negligence include:
- Failure to perform proper prenatal screenings
- Missed diagnosis despite evident warning signs
- Delayed intervention when IUGR is detected
- Inadequate monitoring of high-risk pregnancies
Complications and Long-Term Effects of Intrauterine Growth Restriction
When IUGR is not properly managed, babies face health challenges. If your child has experienced any of these, there may be grounds for a malpractice investigation.
Immediate Complications
Low birth weight (less than 5.5 pounds at full term) is one of the most common immediate complications of IUGR. These babies often struggle to maintain their body temperature and face an increased risk of infections. Many experience problems with breathing and feeding, leading to extended stays in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
Decreased oxygen levels during delivery represent another serious immediate concern. This can result in birth asphyxia and potential brain damage if not properly managed. Some babies may experience organ dysfunction, and the situation might necessitate an emergency C-section to prevent further complications.
Long-Term Health Challenges
Developmental delays often become apparent as your child grows. These can manifest as delayed motor skills, difficulties with speech and language development, challenges in social interaction, and potential learning disabilities. Early intervention and proper medical care are crucial for addressing these challenges.
Neurological complications may also emerge over time. Some children develop conditions such as cerebral palsy or seizure disorders. Vision or hearing impairments might become apparent, and cognitive challenges could affect your child’s learning ability and daily functioning.
Growth and metabolic issues can persist throughout childhood and into adulthood. Many children continue to experience growth problems and may face an increased risk of developing conditions like diabetes or cardiovascular problems. Some might develop metabolic syndrome, which can affect their long-term health outcomes.
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How We Can Help Protect Your Child’s Rights
If medical negligence contributed to your child’s IUGR-related complications, we can help you:
- Investigate the quality of prenatal care provided.
- Review medical records for signs of negligence.
- Consult with medical experts about the standard of care in IUGR cases.
- Pursue compensation for ongoing medical needs.
Our birth injury attorneys understand the complex medical and legal aspects of IUGR cases. You may be entitled to compensation if healthcare providers failed to properly monitor fetal growth and respond to signs of Intrauterine Growth Restriction in time.
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Contact Us for a Free Consultation
If your child suffered complications from Intrauterine Growth Restriction and you suspect medical negligence played a role, we’re here to help. Our experienced birth injury lawyers can review your case and help determine if you have grounds for legal action.
Contact us today to discuss your situation and learn more about protecting your child’s future.
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