Holding Medical Professionals Accountable For Cephalopelvic Disproportion (CPD) Injuries

Cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD) is a complication that results when the mother’s pelvis is too small for the baby to pass through the birth canal. When the infant’s head is larger than the opening of the pelvis, it’s nearly impossible for the mother to push the baby out. As a result, a cesarean section must be performed. If CPD is not recognized and dealt with appropriately, both the mother and child can experience serious injuries. At The Law Office of Robert H. Kleinschmidt, P.C., in Scottsdale, we work hard to help hold negligent medical professionals accountable and to help you recover the full and fair compensation to which you are entitled.

CPD Can Result In Serious Trauma To Newborns

If a baby is unable to pass through the mother’s pelvis, he or she may become oxygen-deprived and stressed. Fetal distress is a potentially lethal complication, marked by a drop or irregularity in the baby’s heart rate. This is a true emergency and an indication of decreased oxygen flow to the baby’s brain and organs. The child’s life is at risk unless he or she is delivered swiftly via cesarean section.

Cephalopelvic disproportion is rarely diagnosed during a pregnancy. However, an ultrasound can be used to predict the likelihood of a problem. Once labor is underway, doctors must keep an eye on the baby’s progress. If labor does not progress normally, then it is imperative for doctors to watch for signs of CPD.

What Are The Causes Of CPD?

One of the main causes of CPD is macrosomia. This condition occurs when the fetus is abnormally large. An average baby weighs approximately 7 pounds. To be diagnosed with macrosomia, babies must weigh at least 8 pounds, 13 ounces. When a baby’s weight is greater than the 90th percentile, he or she is defined as being a large for gestational age (LGA) baby.

The following conditions may play a role in determining if a baby can easily pass through the mother’s pelvis or birth canal:

  • The woman is short in stature.
  • The woman has a small pelvis due to heredity.
  • The woman has physical anomalies.
  • The fetus is in an abnormal position.
  • Gestational diabetes has contributed to the child’s weight and girth.

Medical Mistakes That Can Cause Birth Injury Trauma

The birth of a child should be a jubilant event. However, things can go wrong during delivery because of a doctor’s negligent or delayed response to a medical emergency.

Here are examples of medical negligence that can bring about a malpractice case:

  • A physician failed to act quickly during an emergency.
  • Obstetrical instruments (forceps, vacuum extractors) were inappropriately placed or misused.
  • There was a failure to order a cesarean section.
  • The physician caused a birth injury by forcing a vaginal birth.
  • Pitocin was used inappropriately.

Contact Us For Legal Help With A Birth Injury Claim

Was the health of your baby compromised due to a medical error during a vaginal birth? If so, you may be entitled to seek compensation for your baby’s present and future health care needs and other damages. To receive a free consultation about a birth injury case, call The Law Office of Robert H. Kleinschmidt, P.C., at 480-951-3949 or contact us online. From our offices in Scottsdale, we represent families throughout the Phoenix area.