When a pregnancy goes past the due date, parents are often told not to worry. But once the pregnancy extends beyond 41 or 42 weeks, the risk of serious injury increases for both the baby and the mother.
Doctors are trained to watch for signs of trouble and often induce labor to prevent risks. But what happens when they wait too long or don’t act? Delayed induction can lead to oxygen loss, delivery complications, or even stillbirth.
Here’s what can happen when doctors fail to act, and when medical negligence during labor and delivery may become the basis for a birth injury claim.
What Is a Post-Term Pregnancy?
A post-term pregnancy continues beyond 42 weeks. While most pregnancies last between 39 and 41 weeks, it’s not unusual for some to go slightly past the due date. However, as more time passes, the risk of complications increases.
When the baby grows too large for delivery or the placenta begins to fail, a range of medical problems can follow. One study found that compared to full-term babies, post-term babies had nearly twice the risk of NICU admission, respiratory issues, or serious infections.
Because of these potential outcomes, post-term pregnancies require careful monitoring.
Why Timely Induction Matters
In a post-term pregnancy, induction is often recommended to reduce the chance of complications. Doctors begin labor by using medication or manual techniques to stimulate contractions, helping the baby move through the birth canal and be delivered safely.
Failing to induce labor in time can lead to complications. Some of the most serious birth injuries that may result:
- Oxygen Deprivation: The baby’s oxygen supply can become limited or unpredictable when the placenta weakens. This can cause hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), a condition that may lead to lifelong challenges like cerebral palsy or developmental delays.
- Shoulder Dystocia: Post-term babies are often larger, making delivery more complicated. If the baby’s shoulder gets stuck during birth, a condition known as shoulder dystocia, and medical help isn’t prompt, it can lead to serious complications like nerve damage, broken bones, or a dangerous drop in oxygen levels at a critical moment.
- Stillbirth: The most devastating outcome is the loss of a baby before birth. Stillbirth can happen when the placenta stops meeting the baby’s needs or when the oxygen supply is interrupted. In many cases, this heartbreaking tragedy could have been prevented with closer monitoring and timely intervention.
Each delay increases the chance of serious complications, making early recognition and decisive care essential in post-term pregnancies.
When Inaction Leads to Harm
Doctors are expected to follow clear guidelines for managing post-term pregnancies, including monitoring amniotic fluid levels, tracking fetal movement, and recommending timely induction. When they overlook signs of distress, like a non-reactive heart rate or low fluid levels, and injury results, it may constitute medical negligence.
If your baby is facing health issues because a doctor failed to act, you may have grounds for a birth injury claim. A lawsuit can help your family recover compensation for medical care and the emotional toll of what you’ve been through.
These cases are often complex and emotionally overwhelming. An experienced Chicago birth injury lawyer can offer the legal guidance you need and the compassionate support your family deserves.
How Beam Legal Team Can Help
If you believe your child was harmed due to medical negligence during a post-term pregnancy or delivery, our qualified birth injury attorneys at Beam Legal Team can take action to protect your rights.
Our team can:
- Review medical records to identify signs of negligence
- Consult trusted medical experts to support your claim
- Calculate long-term costs for care and rehabilitation
- Handle all communication with hospitals and insurers
- Build a strong case for settlement or trial
Our firm has secured over $1 billion for families harmed by medical negligence during labor and delivery. We investigate what went wrong and fight for the financial support your child will need moving forward.
Speak With a Knowledgeable Attorney Today
If your baby was injured because a doctor failed to induce labor after 41 or 42 weeks, it’s important to understand your legal options. At Beam Legal Team, we specialize in birth injury cases and know what it takes to hold negligent providers accountable.
Contact us today for a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys. We can explain your legal options and help you pursue a fair settlement for your family’s future.