Table of Contents
- What Is a High-Risk Pregnancy?
- Advanced Maternal Age and Chromosomal Risks
- The Dangers of Premature Birth
- Delivery Complications from Macrosomia (Large Babies)
- Multiple Births and Negligence
- Standard Testing and Obstetric Malpractice
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Contact Us
What Is a High-Risk Pregnancy?
Every pregnancy is different and carries its own risks. However, when maternal or fetal factors elevate the potential for complications, the pregnancy enters a high-risk category. If an obstetrician fails to identify a pregnancy on the high end of the risk spectrum, and birth injuries result that could have been prevented by the treatments normally applicable to high-risk pregnancies, a medical malpractice case could result.
Advanced Maternal Age and Chromosomal Risks
While many pregnancies progress without significant complications, some are considered high-risk because of factors such as maternal age, preexisting medical conditions, multiple gestation, or pregnancy-related complications. Women of advanced maternal age generally face a higher risk of chromosomal abnormalities, certain congenital conditions, and pregnancy complications.
One of the most well-known chromosomal conditions is Down syndrome, which occurs when a child has an extra copy of chromosome 21 (trisomy 21). According to the CDC, the likelihood of having a baby with Down syndrome increases as the mother’s age increases. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that all pregnant patients be offered prenatal genetic screening and diagnostic testing options. A healthcare provider’s failure to appropriately counsel a patient about available testing, recommend testing when indicated, or properly interpret or communicate results may constitute medical malpractice if it falls below the accepted standard of care and causes harm.
The Dangers of Premature Birth
Babies born prematurely face a significantly higher risk of birth injuries, such as birth trauma, respiratory distress, and developmental delays. According to national health data, approximately 1 in 10 infants born in the United States is premature. Doctors must make every reasonable effort to help the baby develop as fully as possible before delivery.
Delivery Complications from Macrosomia (Large Babies)
Large babies face higher-than-normal risks of delivery complications, including shoulder dystocia and oxygen deprivation. About 8% of newborns in the United States weigh more than 4,000 grams, which is considered macrosomia.
An ultrasound examination lets doctors identify infants whose size will prevent the child from a safe vaginal birth by trial of labor; a failure to conduct these examinations could constitute medical negligence.
Multiple Births and Negligence
Multiple births (twins, triplets, or more) are also a very high-risk category. The more children with whom a woman is pregnant, the greater the inherent risks of complications, including:
- Preeclampsia and maternal hypertension
- Premature labor
- Placental abruption
- Gestational diabetes
Any doctor who fails to perform early screenings and schedule regular prenatal visits to monitor these risks opens themselves up to accusations of negligence.
Standard Testing and Obstetric Malpractice
Even in lesser-risk pregnancies, standard medical care requires vigilant monitoring. Several tests serve as routine, standard treatments to monitor fetal health, such as:
- Routine ultrasound examinations
- Fetal non-stress tests
- Maternal blood pressure monitoring
- Glucose screening
An obstetrician or doctor who fails to perform these accepted tests may well be liable if preventable birth injuries occur.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What qualifies as a high-risk pregnancy?
A pregnancy is considered high-risk when there are potential complications that could affect the mother, the baby, or both. Common factors include advanced maternal age, carrying multiples, or preexisting conditions like diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure.
Can failing to diagnose a large baby lead to medical malpractice?
Yes. If a doctor fails to recognize macrosomia (a large baby) through standard ultrasounds and proceeds with a vaginal delivery that causes birth trauma (such as shoulder dystocia or nerve damage), they may be liable for malpractice.
What should a doctor do to prevent premature birth injuries?
Physicians are required to monitor the mother closely, recognize signs of preterm labor, and take reasonable medical interventions—such as administering specific medications or recommending bed rest—to prolong the pregnancy safely and allow the baby more time to develop.
Contact Our Washington, D.C. Birth Injury Lawyers at the Law Offices of Dr. Michael M. Wilson, M.D., J.D. & Associates
If you or your infant suffers harm because of medical negligence during or after your high-risk pregnancy, call our Washington, D.C. birth injury lawyers at the Law Offices of Dr. Michael M. Wilson, M.D., J.D. & Associates at 202-223-4488 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation. Located in Washington, D.C., we serve clients in the surrounding areas, including Northern Virginia and Maryland.
