Fetal Risk Factors

Common risk factors

There are many medical issues that can put a fetus at risk during pregnancy. Some of the most common risk factors include:

• Abnormal fetal position – Abnormal positioning of the fetus can cause serious health problems, especially during the delivery process. If the fetus is facing the wrong direction or the baby is born bottom first (breech birth), lifelong physical or development issues are common.
• Smaller than average fetus – Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) is the medical term used to describe smaller fetuses growing at a slower rate. Many health issues have been linked to IUGR, including higher infection rates, breathing problems and low APGAR score.
• Larger than average fetus – Due to a medical condition often referred to as macrosomia, larger than average fetal size can interrupt the delivery of the fetus and cause serious birth injuries, including hypoxia (injuries related to reduced oxygen) and dystocia (nerve-related injuries).
• Pre-existing health conditions with mother – Some of the most common health conditions (often linked to birth injuries) include previous miscarriages and gestational diabetes. Another risk factor is when the mother has previously had a caesarean delivery but is now attempting to give birth vaginally, called vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC).
• Prematurity – Babies born before the full 9-month gestation period often face serious health problems. That’s why it’s critical that physicians address any medical issues that could result in a baby being born prematurely.
• Umbilical cord restricting airflow – If the umbilical cord becomes wrapped around the fetus, airflow can become restricted, resulting in physical problems, developmental delays or even death.

Sometimes, doctors perform unusual medical procedures after the birth of a child. This could be warning sign they made a mistake. For example, some doctors cool an infant soon after birth if they think your child has a brain injury due to lack of oxygen, a condition known as hypoxia.

Whatever the circumstances of your birth injury, no matter how complicated or straightforward your case might seem, contact us today to learn more about all the legal options available to you. We offer a free case evaluation to all prospective clients.

Our birth injury attorneys fight for you

Don’t wait to take legal action for your birth injury. You only have a limited amount of time to take legal action and file a lawsuit if necessary. This deadline (which varies from state to state) is known as the statute of limitations.

When you have our legal team on your side, we get straight to work on your case. We know that evidence of negligence or wrongdoing can often disappear quickly. We’re also aware that most doctors or hospitals investigate such claims right away as well.

And since we have an in-house nurse and other medical professionals working for us, we know how to transform the information we find into a compelling legal case designed to succeed. We’re here for you when you need us most. Schedule an appointment today.