When diagnosed and treated appropriately, a macrosomic infant – one that weighs more than eight pounds, 15 ounces – can be delivered without problems. Failure to take appropriate action may result in macrosomic complications and lifelong consequences to both the mother and child.
Macrosomic complications for the mother may include:
- Lacerations of the birth canal
- Uterine atony, which can cause serious bleeding after delivery
- Uterine rupture along the scar from a prior cesarean delivery
- Urinary or fecal incontinence
For the newborn, problems may include:
- Shoulder dystocia, which can lead to brachial plexus injuries, arm deformities, and problems controlling the arm
- Oxygen deprivation and permanent brain damage
Cesarean delivery of a very large baby is often recommended to avoid injury. If an obstetrician continues with vaginal delivery, the baby’s shoulder may get stuck behind the mother’s pelvic bone (shoulder dystocia), which can result in brachial plexus injury to the newborn. In addition, the mother can suffer serious injuries and bleeding as a result of the delivery of a large baby.
When Obstetricians Ignore Warning Signs
The medical malpractice team at Anapol Weiss obtained a $4 million verdict for a mother and baby who were permanently injured when their obstetrician negligently delivered the 10-pound infant. The physician disregarded clear warning signs that the baby was suffering from shoulder dystocia. The resulting 16-hour labor left the baby in critical condition and the mother with a severe vaginal tear causing incontinence. The baby required emergency resuscitation and head cooling treatment, and she now suffers from weakness as well as cognitive and expressive speech delay.
Protecting Others from Preventable Macrosomic Complications
If you or your child suffered injuries because a physician failed to respond to your baby’s large size, you can help future mothers from suffering the same physical and emotional agony that you experienced. Holding responsible parties accountable for their negligence sends the message that it’s unacceptable to let mothers and babies get hurt.
Contact the birth injury lawyers at Anapol Weiss if macrosomic complications injured you or your child.