New York Oligohydramnios

Oligohydramnios is a condition that occurs during pregnancy that involves a deficiency in the amount of fluid that surrounds the baby in the uterus. The fluid is called amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluid is important as it protects the baby and supports the healthy growth of the baby’s muscles, limbs, digestive system, and lungs. The lack of sufficient amniotic fluid could lead to a number of complications such as poor development of organs leading to birth defects, preterm birth, cord compression, and stillbirth. However, if diagnosed in time, oligohydramnios can be treated. If a mother is showing signs of oligohydramnios, it is important that the doctor closely monitor her amniotic fluid levels and take action to remedy the situation right away in order to avoid a serious injury to the baby. If you believe that your baby was seriously injured because your doctor failed to properly diagnose and treat low amniotic fluid, it is important that you immediately contact a New York oligohydramnios lawyer who has the knowledge and resources to ensure that your legal rights are protected.

Oligohydramnios may be indicative of a problem with the baby such as:

• Poor organ development. If there is a problem with the development of the baby’s urinary tract or kidneys, the baby may not produce sufficient urine, leading to low levels of amniotic fluid.
• Placenta problems. If the placenta is damages, then the baby will not receive enough nutrients to recycle fluid
• Membrane rupture. This may lead to the leaking of fluid.
• Material complications. Dehydration, preeclampsia, diabetes, and other problems with the mother can lead to oligohydramnios.
• Postmaturity. If the baby is past 42 weeks, amniotic fluids may start to decline.

Symptoms of oligohydramnios include abdominal discomfort, decreased fetal movement, and leaking of amniotic fluid.

If oligohydramnios goes undiagnosed and untreated, serious complications may developed that put the health of the baby at risk. As experienced oligohydramnios attorneys in New York, many cases of medical negligence are based on the doctor not treating a condition quickly enough to avoid serious birth injuries. Complications associated with oligohydramnios include:

• Preterm defects
• Preterm birth
• Premature rupture of membranes
• Intrauterine growth restriction
• Umbilical cord compression
• Stillbirth

The type of complication experienced depends when the oligohydramnios occurs. If it happens early in the pregnancy, birth defects and stillbirth are common. If it happens later on in the pregnancy preterm birth and labor complications are likely.

Treatment of oligohydramnios may include amnio –infusion through an intrauterine catheter, injection of fluid prior to delivery through amniocentesis, and maternal re-hydration with oral fluids or IV fluids. If the pregnancy is fall enough along, delivery of the baby is a recommended response to low levels of amniotic fluid.

If oligohydramnios is not promptly diagnosed and treated, the complications can be devastating. Complications include organ damage leading to birth defects, preterm birth, and stillbirth. If your baby suffered complications from oligohydramnios because your doctor failed to promptly diagnose and treat low levels of amniotic fluid, you may have grounds to pursue compensation based on medical negligence. However, it is important that you are represented by an experienced New York oligohydramnios attorney who understands how to interpret complex medical records and who has the resources to challenge the doctor and hospital who contributed to your baby’s condition. If your doctor was negligent, you have the right to file a claim and demand compensation for losses you suffered such as the medical bills related to treated you child’s oligohydramnios -related injury, loss of future earnings, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. If your baby passed away as a result of medical negligence, you have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim.

Often oligohydramnios can be successfully treated without the baby suffering injury if diagnosed early. Otherwise, serious complications may occur. The oligohydramnios attorneys serving New York at the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates have years of experience successfully representing victims injured by the negligent actions of medical professionals. Contact us 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.