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:
- Oxygen deprivation
- Hypoxic brain injury
- Meconium aspiration syndrome
- Cerebral Palsy
- Cognitive deficiencies
- Stillbirth
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.
