The Risk of Having Two or More Babies at a Time
Many parents struggling to conceive are willing to do almost anything in order to have a baby. This includes taking fertility medications, in vitro fertilization and other assisted reproductive technology (ART) methods that increase the likelihood of getting pregnant. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some sort of infertility treatment accounts for nearly six percent of all births in the United States annually.
While these methods have proved successful, risk factors can be overlooked or ignored in the process of trying to conceive. Fertility medications and implantation of fertilized eggs into the uterus are associated with multiple births, increasing the chance of complications for both the mother and the baby.
The two most common complications of multiple-birth pregnancy are:
- Low birth weight (less than 5 1/2 pounds)
- Extremely pre-term delivery
With these root complications comes a wide range of other health concerns that can lead to illness, lifetime disabilities and even early infant death. A child with low birth weight or a pre-term baby are at risk for infections and disease because their immune systems are not developed enough to live outside the womb. Additionally, a pre-term baby is at risk for a host of developmental concerns throughout his or her life.
Other twin pregnancy risks include gestational diabetes and high blood pressure (preeclampsia). Women who experience these conditions during pregnancy put their baby at risk for breathing problems and increased size, which can cause labor and deliver complications. Often, mothers who have gestational diabetes will be forced to deliver the baby pre-term in order to prevent some of the complications.
Multiple-Birth Risk Prevention
Several precautionary methods can be taken in order to reduce the risks associated with carrying multiple fetuses. Unfortunately, some doctors may not provide the proper pre-natal care needed to ensure a healthy, normal life for all the babies. And in the case of ART methods, doctors may act outside the standard of care by allowing a woman to carry more fetuses than her body can reasonably handle. In these cases, it may be possible to seek financial damages for medical misconduct. It can be helpful to discuss your situation with an experienced lawyer.
The Birth Injury Team is a subsidiary of Silvers, Langsam & Weitzman, P.C., made up of experienced attorneys and medical professionals. We understand the risks of multiple pregnancy and the birth injuries resulting from improper medical care and risk prevention. Our birth injury team is dedicated to helping parents understand their child's condition and guiding them through the process of securing the care and support they need.
To discuss your needs with one of our professionals, contact our office, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. We serve clients across the United States.
