New York Intrauterine Growth Retardation

During pregnancy a baby should grow at a certain rate. If the baby has slow growth, the baby may have a condition known as intrauterine growth retardation, also referred to as IUGR. A baby that grows to less that 90% of the weight of typical babies of the same age will be considered to have IUGR. Even though most growth occurs during the last portion of pregnancy, throughout pregnancy the doctor should monitor the growth of the baby to ensure that baby is growing normally. While a small baby can be delivered without any birth injury and develop normally, a small baby can indicate a problem that may result in a complication such as brain damage. If your baby suffered an injury due to the mismanagement of uterine complications at birth, it is important that you immediately contact a New York intrauterine growth retardation lawyer who will review your medication records and help you determine if medical negligence caused your child’s injuries.

There are several risk factors for intrauterine grown retardation. If the mother has any of these risks factors, the doctor should monitor the baby’s growth carefully for signs of IUGR.

• Problems with the placenta
• Smoking
• Alcohol abuse
• Drug abuse
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Kidney failure
• Malnutrition
• Sickle cell anemia
• Poor weight gain and poor nutrition during pregnancy
• Small mother- weights under 100 pounds

In addition, there are prescription medications that are associated with intrauterine growth retardation. If you are concerned that your prescription medication contributed to your baby’s IUGR, discuss this concern with a New York intrauterine growth retardation lawyer.

If IUGR is present, the doctor should closely monitor the baby and if appropriate deliver the baby via c-section. In some cases medication and bed rest may help improve the condition. However, immediate delivery is often required as small babies are typically unable to tolerate labor and contractions. Thus, a baby with IUGR may need to be delivered immediately and via c-section, as a vaginal delivery presents additional risks to the baby.

• Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE): HIE is a type of brain damage that occurs when a baby’s brain suffers from a lack of oxygen.
• Meconium aspiration: When a baby swallows his or her meconium, the meconium may end up in the baby’s airways making it difficult for the baby to breathe. It may also lead to a serious infection.
• Cerebral palsy: Cerebral palsy is a disorder that affects the central nervous system and is caused by brain damage.
• Hypoglycemia: Because babies with IUGR often suffer from a lack of oxygen and nutrients, the baby also suffers from a lack of glycogen and lipids. This can lead to hypoglycemia.
• Polycythemia: IUGR babies sometimes suffer from a dangerous increase in the development of red blood cells due to chronically low oxygen levels.

If a mother presents risk factors for IUGR, the doctor should use diagnostic tests to confirm the diagnosis. Such tests include an ultrasound, weight checks, amniocentesis, and fetal monitoring. As an experienced New York intrauterine growth retardation lawyer will explain, failure to appreciate risks of IUGR and to take steps to appropriately monitor an at-risk mother and baby may be signs of medical negligence. If your doctor was negligent and as a result your baby was seriously injured, your doctor may be required to pay you compensation, including the cost of your baby’s medical bills related to the injury.

If you are in need of an injury attorney because your baby suffered complications related to a low birth weight, it is important that you are represented by an intrauterine growth retardation attorney in New York with experience. The staff at the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates is committed to protecting the rights of victims who have been injured by negligent obstetricians and other medical professionals. Contact an experienced fractures attorney serving New York at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case. We represent clients in the following locations: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Long Island, Manhattan, Nassau County, Queens, Staten Island, Suffolk County and Westchester County.