The Importance of Fetal Monitoring
One of the most important things a doctor can do throughout pregnancy and during labor and delivery is monitor the baby. This includes regular measuring of the heart rate, ultrasounds and taking notes on your testimonial of baby movements. During delivery, it can involve connecting fetal heart rate monitors and monitoring the charts for abnormalities. The failure to monitor a baby can lead to missed diagnosis of a serious birth defect or fetal distress. It may even lead to the death of a fetus.
Can the Doctor Be Held Liable for Failing to Monitor a Baby?
Medical malpractice occurs when a physician or nurse deviates from the accepted standard of care. The failure to monitor a baby may fall under this category if the negligence resulted in serious birth injury or death. It also applies when a doctor does monitor a baby, but fails to recognize, or take action on, signs for concern.
A health care provider may be held liable for:
- Failure to monitor vital signs during pregnancy and the birthing process
- Failure to correctly interpret signs of fetal distress
- Failure to monitor fetal development and recognize risks or signs of complications
- Failure to order proper tests associated with a known fetal condition
- Failure to address signs of concern, such as gestational diabetes
- Failure to monitor for umbilical cord complications
Find out if you should take legal action.
The Birth Injury Team is a subsidiary of Silvers, Langsam & Weitzman, P.C., made up of experienced attorneys and medical professionals. Our lawyers have more than 100 years of combined experience handling birth injury cases. We are dedicated to helping parents understand their child's condition and guiding them through the process of securing the care and support they need. Located in Philadelphia, we serve clients across the United States.
