Type 1 diabetes affects several people in the Houston area. This type of diabetes can be a serious condition for those who do not manage it. For women who are pregnant there are risks that can lead to a birth injury if a medical provider fails to treat their condition.
Insulin dependent mothers have a greater risk of birth trauma. Many times this birth trauma occurs when the baby is significantly larger than average. An above average birth weight baby, usually babies over 9 pounds 15 ounces, can lead to a birth injury. The baby can become stuck in the birth canal and require forceps or a vacuum, the baby can injure the birth canal, and serious bleeding can occur after delivery. Many times a C-section is required to deliver the baby.
If a medical provider does not carefully monitor an insulin-dependent mother a serious birth injury occur. Some examples of a birth injury include lack of oxygen if a baby becomes stuck in the birth canal for a period of time, nerve damage from an extractor injury, or the baby being diagnosed with cerebral palsy because of oxygen deprivation. A negligent doctor may also miss the signs of the mother suffering from a uterine rupture.
If a family believes they have suffered from birth trauma because of a negligent doctor they may want to speak with a legal professional skilled in medical malpractice. An attorney can review what happened during birth and hold the negligent party responsible. Compensation may be available for medical expenses, future medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Source: mayoclinic.org, “Fetal macrosomia“, accessed on May 24, 2012
