Gestational Diabetes

Attorney for Alabama Birth Injury Claims & Lawsuits

Gestational diabetes is a condition that is estimated to occur in approximately 4% of pregnancies. It is characterized by high blood sugar levels and is first recognized during pregnancy. When pregnant, most women will experience some degree of impaired glucose tolerance, due to the normal hormonal changes she will go through. When glucose levels become high enough, most often during the third trimester, this may place a woman at risk of developing gestational diabetes.

Diabetes during pregnancy may place a baby at risk of injury during pregnancy. If suffered early in pregnancy, gestational diabetes may cause serious birth defects to the brain and heart, and may possibly cause a miscarriage. During the second trimester, gestational diabetes may lead to overgrowth and over-nutrition of a baby. A large baby will place both mother and baby at risk if natural childbirth is attempted and may cause birth injuries such as brachial plexus injury, or brain injury due to a lack of oxygen to the brain. A cesarean section may therefore be required to avoid complications.

Malpractice and Gestational Diabetes

With an early diagnosis and proper treatment, a mother can deliver a healthy baby even in the presence of gestational diabetes. However, if a doctor fails to diagnose this condition or improperly treats a pregnant woman suffering from diabetes, this may cause serious injury to a baby. A delay in performing a c-section or a failure to recommend a c-section are potential examples of malpractice leading to a birth injury as a result of gestational diabetes.

Consult an Alabama Birth Injury Lawyer

Interested in finding more about your rights in the wake of a gestational diabetes diagnosis or any type of birth injury? Contact an Alabama birth injury lawyer at the Law Offices of Timothy A. Hughes today. Your initial consultation is free, and we represent clients throughout all of Alabama.