Large Babies (LGA, Macrosomia)
LGA stands for "large for gestational age," or large infant size at birth. It is also referred to as "macrosomia," and complicates more than 10% of all births by increasing the risk of birth trauma and cesarean deliveries. There is an increased risk of LGA if the mother is diabetic or has excessive weight gain during pregnancy.
The delivery of a macrosomic infant has potentially serious consequences for the infant and the mother. Actions doctors and nurses may take to prevent such consequences include early-induced labor or a cesarean delivery. Failure to do so can be medical malpractice. LGA babies are at increased risk for shoulder dystocia (where the baby’s shoulder gets “stuck” in the mother’s pelvis during delivery) and “Erb’s palsy” (also known as “brachial plexus palsy” resulting in weakness or paralysis of the arm). Large babies are also at increased risk for neonatal hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar in the newborn period.
In some cases, failing to recognize or properly control diabetes during pregnancy and other errors in prenatal care can cause a baby to experience excessive weight gain while in the womb. Failing to recognize shoulder dystocia and failing to properly manage this condition is often malpractice. The same is true for neonatal hypoglycemia.
In consultation with obstetricians, perinatologists, pediatric neurologists and other physicians, the Sweeney Law Firm will work with medical specialists to determine what caused your child’s injury, and whether or not it was due to malpractice. If so, the Sweeney Law Firm may be able to recover money damages to compensate your baby for pain and suffering as well as recover damages to help pay for medical expenses, physical therapy and rehabilitation costs, and all other resulting damages, including lifelong care which may be required if your child sustained brain damage from low blood sugar.
Call the Sweeney Law Firm at 260-420-3137 or toll free at 1-866-793-6339. Get answers to your questions. Learn your legal rights. There is no cost or obligation for us to evaluate your case.
This is an advertisement. This web site is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Your should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your situation.
Copyright © 2005-2009 Sweeney Law Firm
Fort Wayne, Indiana Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice Lawyers & Attorneys
PRACTICE AREAS LIBRARY OTHER RESOURCES
