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Cephalopelvic Disproportion

Doctor Error in High Risk Pregnancies

A mother may be diagnosed with cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD) if the labor fails to progress. In essence, it occurs when the infant’s head is too large or the mother’s pelvis is too small, making it impossible for the head to emerge. CPD may be caused by having an unusually large baby due to diabetes, postmaturity, or hereditary issues. It may also occur due to the baby’s position in the birth canal or the shape of the mother’s pelvis. The safest form of delivery for cases of CPD is cesarean section. If a doctor fails to make an accurate diagnosis of CPD, they may attempt a dangerous vaginal delivery, posing risk of harm to the baby.

Medical professionals have the duty to take appropriate action to protect the health and safety of both the mother and the child. At Hampton & King, our Houston birth injury lawyers bring more than 70 years of combined experience to birth trauma cases. We understand how devastating these cases can be. We are here to provide the trusted advocacy you need to pursue justice.

Diagnosing CDP

Doctors should be ready to identify common causes of CPD and make an accurate diagnosis if their patient meets the criteria of “at risk” for CPD. Some causes and risk factors include:

  • Genetics
  • Diabetes
  • Post-term pregnancy
  • Mother has delivered one or more babies before

Sometimes it’s not the size of the baby that warrants a CPD diagnosis, but the position of the baby or characteristics of the mother’s pelvis. If the baby is breech, vaginal delivery may not be safe.

When Doctors Fail to Take Appropriate Action

Obstetricians and other medical personnel may make a variety of mistakes in diagnosing and responding to CPD.

Here are a few potential examples of negligence:

  • Failing to accurately read ultrasounds and understand the approximate size of the child
  • Failure to order a C-section when the mother or baby is in danger from a labor that fails to progress
  • Attempting to pull the baby through a too-small pelvis, resulting in hypoxia, pelvic injury, or other harm
  • Using too much Pitocin or other labor-inducing drugs, which can lead to uterine rupture

If you or your child was harmed by medical negligence or malpractice related to cephalopelvic disproportion, turn to Hampton & King. We are fully prepared to pursue the maximum compensation that you need and deserve for your pain and suffering.

Contact our Houston attorneys at (713) 658-0231 or via email to schedule a no-cost consultation today.