Post-term Pregnancy

New Jersey Post-term Pregnancy Malpractice Lawyers

Birth Injury Attorneys in Bergen County, New Jersey

Pregnancy is a highly sensitive time, during which even the slightest deviation can pose a threat to the health of the mother and her child. For example, the time period for gestation can spell serious consequences if it is too short or too long. A normal pregnancy allows for 40 weeks of gestation. When a pregnancy extends to 42 weeks or longer, this is considered a post-term pregnancy. Just as premature pregnancies can be dangerous, increasing the risks of complications and health problems for mom and baby, post-term pregnancies carry their own risks for fetal and maternal complications. With this is mind, doctors should attempt to ensure that the infant is delivered in close proximity of the due date. However, in certain cases, medical professionals are negligent. They may miscalculate the due date by misinterpreting ultrasound results, fail to induce pregnancy, fail to perform a C-section if necessary, or allow prolonged labor to jeopardize both lives entrusted in their care. Such errors can cause direct and catastrophic harm and may provide grounds for a medical malpractice claim.

If you suffered harm as a result of complications associated with post-term labor, Fronzuto Law Group can help. Our skilled New Jersey medical malpractice lawyers represent mothers and children who sustain birth injuries and other health conditions due to medical negligence before, during, and after delivery. With millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements in the last 3 years alone, we have successfully recovered compensation on behalf of infants with newborn respiratory distress and mothers with epidural abscess and spinal cord compression, to name a few. By using our extensive knowledge and relationships with renowned medical experts, we craft a strategy to achieve maximum compensation for you and your family. To discuss your case with one of our attorneys today, contact our North Jersey offices at 973.435.4551. We take the time to listen to your unique situation and always provide consultations free of charge.

Understanding Post-Term Pregnancy

A typical pregnancy term is 40 weeks, and after 42 weeks gestation, the pregnancy is officially considered post-term. The longer the pregnancy is allowed to extend after 40 weeks, the greater the risk of complications. As such, the vast majority of obstetricians will induce labor and deliver a child at 41 weeks. This will significantly reduce the risk to mother and baby. There are certain factors that increase the likelihood of post-term pregnancy, all of which medical professionals must be aware of, including:

  • Previous post-term pregnancy
  • First pregnancy
  • Male fetus
  • Advanced maternal age
  • High maternal body mass index (BMI)
  • Genetic predispositions

Although it is impossible to precisely determine a mother’s due date, doctors should perform an ultrasound during the first trimester to approximate the due date. If they fail to accurately interpret the ultrasound, the estimated due date may be off, which can be extremely problematic when deciding whether or not to induce labor.

Complications Associated with Post-term Pregnancy

As mentioned previously, there are a host of complications associated with post-term pregnancy for both mother and infant. For the mother, post-term pregnancy may lead to:

  • Postpartum hemorrhage
  • Obstructed labour
  • Perineal damage
  • Torn cervix
  • Endometritis
  • Infection
  • Labor dystocia

The risks of post-term pregnancy for the infant are manifold, some of which include:

Notably, many of the above neonatal complications result from placental insufficiency. The placenta is designed to provide oxygen and nutrients to the fetus for 40 weeks. After 40 weeks of gestation, the placenta begins to age and is less-equipped to deliver necessary oxygen and nourishment. Placental insufficiency can then lead to oxygen deprivation, which can cause brain damage if the brain is deprived of oxygen.

Contact New Jersey Birth Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation

If you or your child suffered complications due to post-term pregnancy and you suspect that doctors or medical staff were negligent, you may have grounds to pursue compensation through medical malpractice litigation. At Fronzuto Law Group, our highly experienced New Jersey birth injury lawyers aggressively advocate from victims of medical negligence across the state. We are available to answer your questions and provide you with a cost-free consultation. Simply call 973.435.4551 today.

Practice Areas

Our attorneys advocate for those who suffer injuries due to the negligence of physicians, nurses, other health care professionals, hospitals, and medical facilities.

Medical Malpractice

Our team addresses the most complex of pediatric malpractice cases, including rare conditions such as craniosynostosis and plagiocephaly.

Pediatric Malpractice

Our firm represents individuals who are injured by improperly designed and manufactured products, including pharmaceuticals and medical devices, auto products, and sporting equipment.

Product
Liability

Our attorneys advocate for those who suffer injuries due to the negligence of physicians, nurses, other health care professionals, hospitals, and medical facilities.

Wrongful Death

If you or your child suffers from a birth injury, Fronzuto Law Group can help.

Birth Injuries

Recent BlogPosts

  • March, 2023

    Medical Errors and Claims for Necrotizing Fasciitis in New Jersey

    Necrotizing fasciitis, the flesh-eating disease, is a rare bacterial infection that can lead to serious health issues. Necrosis is the death of organ or tissue cells due to several causes, so necrotizing is the dying of cells in organs or tissue. Fascia is the tissue that surrounds muscles, bones, vessels, and organs and holds them […]

    READ MORE
  • February, 2023

    Premature Hospital Discharge: What it is and When You can File a Lawsuit

    Being Discharged Early from the Hospital is Common, but in Some Cases, Wrongful Discharge can Lead to Serious Complications Of course, not all early discharges are considered medical malpractice. Sometimes a doctor discharges a patient because they seem stable enough to leave the hospital. And yet, the physician may be liable when they release a […]

    READ MORE
  • February, 2023

    Understanding Fever Errors

    New Jersey Fever Error Attorneys Most people consider fevers as signs of sickness like the flu. However, there are many potential causes of fevers and some may require urgent medical attention. Although fevers often accompany other diseases, sometimes they result from medical errors. Due to the prevalence of fevers in everyday life, you may wonder […]

    READ MORE

Free Case
Evaluation

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Officelocations