Recently, USA Today had an interesting story about the number of large-weight babies born in the country, with some newborns weighing 13, 14 and even 15 pounds.
While it may be entertaining to some (probably not expecting mothers), a large birthweight can cause complications during a child’s delivery. This is why healthcare providers have a duty to track and monitor a child’s weight prior to birth.
To be clear, the U.S. National Library of Medicine says that an average birthweigh
t range is between 5.5 pounds and 8.8 pounds, according to USA Today. There are also reports that there has been a 15 to 25 percent increase in babies weighing 8 pounds and 13 ounces or more in the past two to three decades.
When a child has a larger weight, sometimes 10 or more pounds, it carries a risk for both the child and mother.
Larger babies are more likely to cause women gestational diabetes, as well as vaginal and rectal laceration or postpartum hemorrhage. Additionally, there is a risk for larger babies to suffer shoulder dystocia or become lodged in a mother during the birthing process.
It is incredibly important for doctors to monitor a baby’s size, among other items, in visits leading to a birth. This can be done through imaging, like ultrasounds, and other forms of testing. It is possible that a large child may need to be delivered via C-Section to prevent complications.
Birth Injuries Can Lead to Significant Future Medical Costs
Birth injuries can lead to a lifetime of medical costs for victims and family members, as therapies and specialized care can be extremely expensive. Your doctor has a duty to monitor any issue that may lead to complications, including tracking your child’s weight.
If your child has suffered a birth injury due to the negligence of a healthcare provider, our Ryan Krebs, M.D., J.D., is especially qualified to handle medical malpractice cases.
Our firm is well versed in birth injury law and each attorney can provide you with the legal advice and representation you need to successfully pursue a case. For a free discussion about your case, call 1-(800)-460-0606.
