Post-Term Pregnancy

Baltimore Birth Injury Attorneys Representing Families Harmed by Post-Term Pregnancy Complications

Pregnancy beyond 42 weeks should never be approached casually. A post-term pregnancy, defined as a pregnancy that extends beyond 42 weeks of gestation, carries heightened risks for both mother and baby, risks that obstetric providers are required to monitor closely and manage responsibly. Yet far too often, healthcare providers fail to recognize the danger signs, delay appropriate intervention, or mismanage the labor process altogether, and the result is frequently a preventable tragedy. If your child suffered injuries at birth due to mismanagement of post-term pregnancy, you have the right to seek compensation, and it is prudent to talk to a lawyer. At Arfaa Law Group, our assertive Baltimore birth injury attorneys understand the devastation preventable birth injuries can cause, and if you hire us, we will fight for justice for your family.

Understanding Post-Term Pregnancy and Its Risks

A post-term pregnancy occurs when gestation exceeds 42 weeks. While some babies are safely delivered past their due dates, the risks associated with prolonged pregnancy increase significantly after the 41st week. These risks include decreased amniotic fluid, which can restrict fetal movement and compromise umbilical cord function, as well as placental insufficiency, where the placenta begins to deteriorate and fails to supply adequate oxygen and nutrients to the fetus. Babies born post-term are also at greater risk of excessive birth weight, which can complicate delivery and increase the likelihood of shoulder dystocia, brachial plexus injuries, and emergency cesarean section.

For the mother, post-term pregnancy raises the likelihood of prolonged labor, uterine rupture, and postpartum hemorrhage. Given these well-documented dangers, obstetric providers are expected to carefully monitor fetal health and maternal well-being in the final weeks of pregnancy. This includes performing regular non-stress tests, biophysical profiles, and ultrasounds to evaluate amniotic fluid and placental function. When warning signs are present, induction of labor or surgical delivery should be considered. Failure to timely intervene can lead to catastrophic outcomes, including hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), cerebral palsy, stillbirth, or severe maternal injury. In many cases, these outcomes are preventable with timely recognition and decisive medical action.

Establishing Fault in Post-Term Pregnancy Birth Injury Cases

Many families impacted by birth injuries will pursue medical malpractice claims against the providers who caused their child’s harm. Proving liability for birth injuries caused by post-term pregnancy generally requires a plaintiff to demonstrate that the defendant acted negligently. A successful claim must show that the provider owed a duty of care, breached that duty by deviating from accepted medical standards, and that this breach directly caused measurable harm to the mother or child. Unlike some other types of malpractice, birth injury cases involving post-term pregnancy often hinge on a provider’s failure to act; in other words, a failure to induce labor, to order essential monitoring, or to respond to evidence of fetal distress in a timely manner.

In Maryland, obstetricians, nurse-midwives, and hospital staff all have a duty to provide care that aligns with the standards of reasonably competent practitioners in the same field. When a provider fails to initiate appropriate surveillance at 41 weeks, delays necessary induction, or misinterprets fetal heart tracings that signal distress, that may constitute a breach of duty. But it is not enough to establish a breach alone. Plaintiffs must also show that the failure caused the injury in question. This is where post-term pregnancy cases often become complex. A plaintiff must demonstrate that, had proper steps been taken, the injury more likely than not would have been avoided, which typically requires expert testimony.

Compensation in these cases can include a range of damages. Families may recover for the costs of past and future medical care, special education and therapy needs, assistive technology, and home modifications in cases involving long-term injury to the child. Damages may also include lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.

Speak to a Seasoned Baltimore Birth Injury Attorney

When a pregnancy enters post-term status, medical providers are no longer managing a routine birth; they are managing a higher-risk condition that demands increased vigilance. If your child suffered harm because of medical negligence during a post-term pregnancy, it is important to understand your options, and you should speak to a lawyer. At Arfaa Law Group, our seasoned Baltimore birth injury attorneys have the skills and experience needed to prevail in claims against careless providers, and if we represent you, we will set forth compelling arguments on your behalf. Our office is located in Baltimore, and we serve clients throughout the city and across the state of Maryland. To schedule a free and confidential consultation, contact us today at 410-889-1850 or reach out online.