Fetal macrosomia is a medical term used to describe a fetus when they overly large before birth. Although there are no set criteria for diagnosis, doctors will declare a baby with fetal macrosomia if they exceed 8 pounds and 13 ounces at birth.
This condition is quite common, accounting for almost 10% of pregnancies, and even more common in mothers with gestational diabetes. Fetal macrosomia can be dangerous as it puts the mother at high risk during her pregnancy. Now you may be wondering, what causes fetal macrosomia? Well, the Dolt, Thompson, Shepherd & Conway, PSC is here to answer that for you.
Causes
One of the most common causes of fetal macrosomia is genetics. If a mother has large physical traits or is obese, often that will pass on through genetic inheritance. On top of that, the gender of a mother’s baby plays a huge role in its size. If a mother gives born to a male baby, they are at a higher risk of fetal macrosomia as male babies tend to be bigger. Lastly, mothers with diabetes or those with gestational diabetes are ten times more likely to give birth to macrosomic babies.
Doctors usually monitor the baby’s weight throughout birth which can help prevent high-risk labor. If there are risks posed by fetal macrosomia, a doctor will most likely order a C-section. However, suppose a doctor is aware of the risks fetal macrosomia poses and refuses to order a c-section. In that case, you may be able to file a birth injury claim if you or your baby sustained severe injuries.
Birth Injury Attorneys
The birth of a child should be a glorious time you’re able to reflect on with your family. However, when a doctor chooses to be negligent, that moment can be taken away in an instant. You should not have to deal with carrying the weight of hefty medical bills while recovering with your baby. Rather than taking on the fight yourselves, let the team at Dolt, Thompson, Shepherd & Conway, PSC do it for you.
Our Louisville attorneys have the experience and financial resources to take on some of the toughest birth injury cases in the state of Kentucky. Through a free consultation, we can decide what your best options are as a family and move forward with a claim if needed.
When you’re ready, give our firm a call at (502) 244-7772 or fill out a consultation request form to get in touch with a birth injury attorney today.