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Intrauterine Growth Retardation
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a condition where the fetus in the womb does not grow properly according to its age. The typical criterion is less than 90% weight of the fetus compared to normal babies of the same age. During pregnancy, mothers taking certain medications such as SSRI antidepressants, Dilantin and Warfarin (Coumadin), have a higher risk of having a baby with IUGR. If you took any prescription during your pregnancy and your baby had a low birth weight, you should seek the advice of a birth injury lawyer.
DeFrancisco & Falgiatano Personal Injury Lawyers provides personal and sensitive representation for those who have suffered harm or lost a loved one due to birth-related medical malpractice. Our attorneys are accomplished and experienced in handling these types of cases.
Risk Factors for IUGRFollowing conditions in the mother increase the risk of IUGR in the baby:
- Alcohol abuse/smoking
- Blood clotting disorders
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Kidney problem
- Malnutrition
If you lost a child because of IUGR or your child suffers from IUGR, you may be entitled to a compensation for the damages suffered.
Call 833-200-2000 to schedule a free consultation with the birth injury lawyers at DeFrancisco & Falgiatano.
Diagnosis of IUGRIt is not necessary for a pregnant mother to have a small belly to have IUGR. There is rarely any outward sign that indicates that the baby is not properly growing. Instead, the usual diagnosis of IUGR is made by the ob-gyn or other health care staff during routine prenatal exams, by measuring the fundal height. Fundal Height is the distance between the top of the uterus and the pubic bone. If the fundal height measures too small for the gestational age of the baby, it is at risk of intrauterine growth restriction. On suspecting IUGR by fundal height measurement, doctors carry out some tests to confirm the diagnosis and examine the health of the fetus. The procedures include ultrasound, doppler flow, weight checks, amniocentesis, and fetal monitoring.
TreatmentA pregnant mother diagnosed with IUGR should be monitored closely with many ultrasounds to examine the infant's growth, blood flow, fluids and movements. The doctors might want to deliver the baby prematurely. Generally, doctors go for premature delivery for babies who are 34 weeks or more along the pregnancy. For less than 34 weeks of pregnancy, doctors closely monitor the progress of the fetus. In case of any concerns they may recommend premature delivery. In that case, an amniocentesis is sometimes carried out to ensure the lung maturity of the fetus.
Medical MalpracticeThere may be a case for medical malpractice if a medical provider:
- Prescribes an antidepressant or any drug that may have adverse effects on the fetal health
- Fails to detect IUGR during prenatal exams
- Fails to provide the necessary care in case of detecting IUGR in the pregnant mother
- Fails to perform a premature delivery of the baby to avoid developmental delays
To speak with a birth injury attorney about your case, call DeFrancisco & Falgiatano Personal Injury Lawyers at 833-200-2000 or contact us for a free consultation. We offer evening and weekend appointments as well as home and hospital visits. Based in Syracuse, we conveniently offer multiple office locations throughout upstate New York. Consultations are always free and you will never have to pay any legal fees unless we are able to recover money for you.
