LGA stands for "large for gestational age," or large infant size at birth. It is also referred to as "macrosomia," and complicates more than 10% of all births by increasing the risk of birth trauma and cesarean deliveries. There is an increased risk of LGA if the mother is diabetic or has excessive weight gain during pregnancy.
The delivery of a macrosomic infant has potentially serious consequences for the infant and the mother. Actions doctors and nurses may take to prevent such consequences include early-induced labor or a cesarean delivery. Failure to do so can be medical malpractice. LGA babies are at increased risk for shoulder dystocia (where the baby's shoulder gets "stuck" in the mother's pelvis during delivery) and "Erb's palsy" (also known as "brachial plexus palsy" resulting in weakness or paralysis of the arm). Large babies are also at increased risk for neonatal hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar in the newborn period.
In some cases, failing to recognize or properly control diabetes during pregnancy and other errors in prenatal care can cause a baby to experience excessive weight gain while in the womb. Failing to recognize shoulder dystocia and failing to properly manage this condition is often malpractice. The same is true for neonatal hypoglycemia.
In consultation with obstetricians, perinatologists, pediatric neurologists and other physicians, The Kauffman Firm will work with medical specialists to determine what caused your child's injury, and whether or not it was due to malpractice. If so, The Kauffman Firm may be able to recover money damages to compensate your baby for pain and suffering as well as recover damages to help pay for medical expenses, physical therapy and rehabilitation costs, and all other resulting damages, including lifelong care which may be required if your child sustained brain damage from low blood sugar.
Call The Kauffman Firm at 505-814-1823. Get answers to your questions. Learn your legal rights. There is no cost or obligation for us to evaluate your case.
