Uterine Complications

Uterine complications can be extremely serious in that they can deprive your baby of oxygen and vital nutrients and cause a whole host of lifelong medical issues, posing a significant danger to both you and your baby. If you suffered from uterine complications despite having regular prenatal care, you may wish to consider your legal rights and options.

For more than three decades Stern Law, PLLC has proudly represented countless families like yours affected by birth injuries that are the unfortunate result of medical malpractice. If you or your baby suffered injury due to mishandled uterine complications during labor, please call (800) 462-5772 for a free consultation.

Uterine rupture

If you previously delivered a child via cesarean section, delivering another baby vaginally could put you at risk for a ruptured uterus. This labor complication only occurs in approximately 1.5% of births, but it can lead to serious injuries.

Risk factors for uterine rupture include:

• Prior uterine surgery, including a cesarean section
• Obstructed labor and/or delivery
• Prolonged labor
• A previous history of uterine rupture
• A child born in a breech presentation

• The use of vacuum extractors or forceps to facilitate a vaginal delivery
• The administration of medication, especially labor-inducing drugs such as Pitocin
• Pressure applied on a mother’s abdomen during labor and delivery

Medical negligence in uterine rupture cases

A uterine rupture can be the result of:

• Ordering a VBAC despite certain factors that demonstrate a risk of uterine rupture – The type of incision made in a previous cesarean section may dictate whether a VBAC is safe or not.
• Failure to warn the patient – Obstetric specialists must inform you of the benefits and risks associated with a VBAC.
• Allowing non-candidates to undergo a VBAC – This occurs when women who would otherwise not be a proper candidate for the procedure undergo a VBAC.
• Failure to act quickly enough in abandoning a VBAC in order to effectuate a cesarean delivery.
• Attempting a VBAC in a non-equipped medical center – This occurs in facility that is not equipped to handle obstetric emergencies, or in a facility without trained medical staff needed for a cesarean section.
• Failure to monitor a fetus during a VBAC – This includes failure to respond to the signs and symptoms of fetal distress.
• Failure to have institutional policies in place – Medical facilities must have procedures to effectively respond to a VBAC-related obstetric emergency.
• Improper usage of delivery tools – Forceps, vacuum extractors and other medical equipment must be properly used to deliver your child.
• The application of too much abdominal pressure – The appropriate amount of pressure must be applied to ensure a safe delivery.
• Failure to quickly deliver a child in a breech position – Medical practitioners and facilities must be equipped to properly and safely deliver a baby in breech position.
• Failure to recognize the symptoms of fetal distress – Babies must be monitored so that signs of fetal distress are properly addressed.

Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR)

There are a number of risks associated with intrauterine growth restriction, including:

• A pre-pregnancy maternal weight of less than 100 pounds
• Improper nutrition during pregnancy
• The existence of birth defects and/or genetic and chromosomal abnormalities
• Exposure to teratogens such as cigarette smoke, chemicals, alcohol, drugs, etc.
• Gestational hypertension
• Placental complications and abnormalities

• A multiple gestation pregnancy
• Gestational diabetes
• Amniotic fluid imbalances and abnormalities
• A mother with sickle cell anemia
• Maternal kidney disease or anemia
• Maternal infection, including rubella, cytomegalovirus, toxoplasmosis and syphilis
• Maternal heart disease

Medical negligence in IUGR cases

Medical negligence may play a significant role in what caused your child’s IUGR-related birth injuries. Examples of these are:

• Failure to monitor a child during pregnancy
• Failure to diagnose a child with low gestational size and/or weight
• Failure to diagnose and/or treat a maternal condition that may lead to IUGR

• Failure to recognize and discuss with a patient the risk factors associated with IUGR if, through an examination of your records, you appear to be at a greater risk of developing the condition
• Failure to counsel a patient regarding his or her drug, alcohol or tobacco usage

If you or your child suffered severe birth injury due to uterine complications, Stern Law, PLLC can fight for your right to compensation. Please call us at (800) 462-5772 for a free review of your claim.