Do we have a case?

[FLMommy]

FLORIDA
(excuse the typo's... somewhat in a rush)

At 29 weeks of pregnancy, I didn't feel the baby move quite as much. After doing the "movement counting" I decided that based on all the books and advice, I should get a check up at the OB's office. They worked me in, but I was the last patient that day.

My OB wasn't there, so her partner - they share a practice - did the ultrasound. To make a long story short... he was checking for movement of the baby... which wouldn't happen despite my talking and walking (to see if she'd wake up). 20 Mins went by, and I'm not sure if he was just tired of me (there is Mrs. *** first time pregnancy and all worried for no reason... though there was a reason) or what, but he started bouncing the US probe on the lower part of my stomach, right on top of my baby's head (which was down)... he went so wild, both my husband and I got worried and asked him if this wouldn't hurt the baby. We were assured that it wouldn't and that the baby was protected.

The next day, my stomach was sore and my practice contractions became a little painful. 4 days later, in the middle of the night, my - what I thought were practice contractions - contractions became onbearable, and upon arrival at the hospital they found out I was 6 cm dilated and there was no waqy stopping my labor. I was 30 weeks pregnant and would deliver a 10 week premature baby by emergency c-section (her heart rate kept dropping, and her position had changed).

While I recovered in the local hospital, our baby was rushed to a hospital with a NICU an hour away. When they did a routine ultrasound on her head on her 11th day of life, they found her ventricles were enlarged. After a CT and MRI and a consult from a pediatric neurosurgeon, she was diagnosed with non-congenital hydrocephalus, caused my a brain hemmorhage. She's had 2 brain surgeries so far (both before she was 4.5 lbs....) and has a shunt for life. She'll likely have more brain surgeries - this is a life long and life threating condition.

Anyways, while our daugther was in the NICU I got to read over a TON of my medical files that the local hospital faxed to the hospital my daughter was in. In it, it said I had been in labor for 78 hours (which traces back to roughly the time the OB did the ultrasound) and that upon surgery (c-section) they found my amniotic fluid that was supposed to protect my baby according to the OB - was "minimal".

Besides that, none of the Ultrasounds (had one one week prior to the "rough ultrasound" and several before that) show our daughters ventricles being enlarged, hence they've diagnosed her with non-congenital hydro-cephalus.

Now I know that premature babies are at risk for getting brain hemmorhages, yet it is still rare, and based upon all the other conditions and circumstances described above both my husband and I, as well as the nurses in the NICU my daughter was at, and even some dr's.... the OB should have never done the US the way he did...

We are wondering if his umprofessional manner is the reason why I went into labor early, and most importantly - is why my daughter had a brain bleed (which happened between that ultrasound my OB did, and the ultrasound she had on her head in the NICU).

We're not out for the big bucks, (we know of the lack of OB's due to ppl sueing them for millions of dollars) but we just want answers, and perhaps some reimbursements for medical costs IF they are liable. We're not sure how to approach this, where to start, how to approach the OB, if at all, etc. Not even sure we have a case...

Quite frankly, I don't even know if someone could give us some advice, but it sure would be appreciated.

PS: The OB (mine, not the guy = her practice partner -that did the US) cannot explain why I went into early labor since I did everything "the right way"....

 

[rmet4nzkx]

You can consult a FL malpractice attorney, but remember that being premature alone is sufficient to cause hydrocephalus

* Acquired causes in infants and children

o Mass lesions account for 20% of all cases of hydrocephalus in children. These are usually tumors (eg, medulloblastoma, astrocytoma), but cysts, abscesses, or hematoma also can be the cause.

o Intraventricular hemorrhage can be related to prematurity, head injury, or rupture of a vascular malformation.

o Infections: Meningitis (especially bacterial) and, in some geographic areas, cysticercosis can cause hydrocephalus.

o Increased venous sinus pressure: This can be related to achondroplasia, some craniostenoses, or venous thrombosis.

o Iatrogenic: Hypervitaminosis A, by increasing secretion of CSF or by increasing permeability of the blood-brain barrier, can lead to hydrocephalus.

o Idiopathic

While you may attribute the ultrasound to this you must remember there are some risks to ultrasound and that normally the baby is well protected while in the womb. While you are asking quesitons you are not asking the corret questions.

How frequently were you given ultrasounds, at what weeks/days, TVU or TAU? Specifically, in the last 2 ultrasounds was the amount of amnio measured? Was the length of your cervix noted? had you had any symptoms of itching or rashes? Did you have any liver funciton tests? Did you call your doctor as soon as you noted less movement? How long and frequently had you been having BH contractions prior to the ultrasound? Did you call the doctor or L&D re your contractions and get checked out? Did you have any leakage of fluid? Was there any question re incompetent cervix? Do you have any family history of unusual or traumatic births or any history of autism or Asperger's. Has your child been evaluated for CP? Is your child in early intervention for developmental disabilities?

 

[FLMommy]

Wow, you're thorough, thanks for the reply. Understand her prematurity could have caused it, it's just so strange, she had SUCH a benign course in the NICU.... for a 2 lbs 11 ounce 10 week premature baby, it's pretty miraculous she didnt even need oxygen... it's just all so strange.

I had both types of ultrasounds, a lot more in the beginning (had some complications that resolved and did not carry over) had an abdominal one at 20 and 28 weeks, then the "scary" one at 29 weeks 3 days. I went to the OB the same day I didn't feel her move. Actually, after counting the movements and not feeling enough, I left my work and went right away. As far as I know the amn. fluid was measured all times (not sure about the "scary" US)... I saw them to that measuring thing on the screen... and I always ask.. (I tend to always ask a million q's about how things are and look). It was always fine. No itching or rashes. I was told my cervix was just fine. Have had no liver function test (why would I need those?). BH started at about 22 weeks. Not painful/barely noticable. No family history at all of what you ask, I had no leakage of fluid. (Water had not broken yet, even when I was 6 cm at the hospital) Child has not been evaluated for CP (or she might, they evaluated so much on her) and yes she in a developmental program (FL Early Steps) because of her shunt. She has no mental/cognitive delays (yet, as far as anyone can tell) due to her shunt. (due to prematurity of course..., some stiffness in neck muscle (on the side where tubing runs) for which she is in Phys. Therapy.

Wondering why you asked those q's and what the information I just gave you tells you?
Thanks for taking the time to reply.

You can consult a FL malpractice attorney, but remember that being premature alone is sufficient to cause hydrocephalus
While you may attribute the ultrasound to this you must remember there are some risks to ultrasound and that normally the baby is well protected while in the womb. While you are asking quesitons you are not asking the corret questions.

How frequently were you given ultrasounds, at what weeks/days, TVU or TAU? Specifically, in the last 2 ultrasounds was the amount of amnio measured? Was the length of your cervix noted? had you had any symptoms of itching or rashes? Did you have any liver funciton tests? Did you call your doctor as soon as you noted less movement? How long and frequently had you been having BH contractions prior to the ultrasound? Did you call the doctor or L&D re your contractions and get checked out? Did you have any leakage of fluid? Was there any question re incompetent cervix? Do you have any family history of unusual or traumatic births or any history of autism or Asperger's. Has your child been evaluated for CP? Is your child in early intervention for developmental disabilities?

 

[rmet4nzkx]

You were lucky her lung were mature enough to not need oxygen. It is too late to do liver function tests on you but there is a condition often resulting in lack of fetal movement called IC that also results in itching and low amniotic fluid, if you didn't have leakage then there should have been some clue that she was low on fluid at some point, I assume the data was reviewed. If your cervix was OK then you went into labor so quickly was there any quesiton of incompetent cervix, something to consider next time. 1st pregnancies usually have few BH contractions, so that was a little unusual, were you dehydrated? Some children with Autism spectrum specifically Aspberger's disorder also have hydrocephalus, so it is somehting to check as she progresses through the early intervention. Also see my post on your thread re insurance for other sources. My guess is that you like answers, many of us do, but there is nothing to suggest you have a malpractice case per se, it would be difficult to prove.

 

[FLMommy]

You were lucky her lung were mature enough to not need oxygen. It is too late to do liver function tests on you but there is a condition often resulting in lack of fetal movement called IC that also results in itching and low amniotic fluid, if you didn't have leakage then there should have been some clue that she was low on fluid at some point, I assume the data was reviewed. If your cervix was OK then you went into labor so quickly was there any quesiton of incompetent cervix, something to consider next time. 1st pregnancies usually have few BH contractions, so that was a little unusual, were you dehydrated? Some children with Autism spectrum specifically Aspberger's disorder also have hydrocephalus, so it is somehting to check as she progresses through the early intervention. Also see my post on your thread re insurance for other sources. My guess is that you like answers, many of us do, but there is nothing to suggest you have a malpractice case per se, it would be difficult to prove.

Thanks again for your reply. The OB got her to move after 20 mins. After that she went wild like her normal self Asked OB about cervix afterwards she said it was fine and they just don't know. BH were few though they did start at about 20 weeks which is not abnormal. Children with Aspbergers and Autism... aren't they born with Hydrocephalus? I'm amazed you know so much. Are you a doctor? Just curious
Of course we want answers, but realize we don't always get those in life. But I don't want to give up quite yet, our search has hardly begun. I wish there was an organization that could do some kind of investigation for us. Anyways, hope you find the time to reply, and again thanks for your previous replies.

 

[tigger22472]

I have a few questions here too....

1. What was the purpose of the ultrasounds early on in the pregnancy and why so many?

The point that you had so many ultrasounds indicate that there were suspected complications which being your first pregnancy indicates that there was something the doctors suspected early on. Seeing as such,

2. What 'complications' (that you say later subsided) were occurring or suspected?

The fact that there were suspected complications could in fact end any liability the doctors may have had. I do not mean to say they aren't still exected to act in a non-negligent manner but what I mean is that with the already suspected complications it will be harder to prove that what the doctor did at the last ultrasound was a direct cause of the issue your child now has.

 

[rmet4nzkx]

Thanks again for your reply. The OB got her to move after 20 mins. After that she went wild like her normal self Asked OB about cervix afterwards she said it was fine and they just don't know. BH were few though they did start at about 20 weeks which is not abnormal. Children with Aspbergers and Autism... aren't they born with Hydrocephalus? I'm amazed you know so much. Are you a doctor? Just curious
Of course we want answers, but realize we don't always get those in life. But I don't want to give up quite yet, our search has hardly begun. I wish there was an organization that could do some kind of investigation for us. Anyways, hope you find the time to reply, and again thanks for your previous replies.

OOPS, in my previous post I left a letter off, ICP or Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy not inter cranial pressure. It doesn't always involve itching as a symptom but with the low amnio and lack of movement with normal cervix it sounds suspitious and no way to prove it at this point. I fear you will not have your answers and you will have to be content your child is healthy thus far, as are most ICP babies born in time if that was the cause. You will have to be alert for developmental delays/ disabilities but early intervention should help. Asperger's are not all born with hydrocephalus, some do, some don't, some acquire or it is diagnosed later in life, it was another possibility besides premature birth that might have accounted for the hydrocephalus. At 7 months your child should have reached developmental milestones of a 4-5 month term baby, so she should be rolling over, possibly creeping, sitting up, you will have to wait a few more months re speach, crawling, standing and walking, when they will be able to asscess CP better.

BH contracitons are normal, but usually not so many during 1st pregnancies, so the onset and frequency of them in a 1st pregnancy might have been a clue that you were at risk for pre-term labor. Dehydration and constapation can also provoke PTL. Was there any diagnosis of IUGR? The avg weight and length at 30 weeks are: 15.71 inches 2.91 pounds 39.9 cm 1319 grams so baby was just slightly < average but still within normal limits if your dates were right, the mature lungs do rais a question. You may want a consult a perinatologist prior to your next pregnancy and possibly supervise your pregnancy. Since you gave birth by C Section, most likely that will be the case next time considering your history and you could plan delivery to be at a hospital having a NICU.

My Speciality is neurosciences.

 

[rmet4nzkx]

I have responded to your PM and the additional information is significant enough to repost here as it gives some resolution.

Because of both the subchorionic hematoma which you only mentioned as an early complication and the Low amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios) it would be impossible to place blame on any of the doctors for what happened. The ultrasounds are only a diagnostic tool, what happened would have happened whether or not you had any ultrasounds. All events and outcomes can be attributed to that combination so you have no mal practice case unless there were glaring divations from the standard of care(SOC) in the interpretation of the ultrasounds and since the neuro suregon didn't see anything abnormal on the US from your pregnancy that would preclude that possible cause of action. Even though you want answers it is impossible to make any determination at this date because while there are several possibilities, your care was within the SOC and it is impossible to rule out the other potential causes and rule in the administration of an ultrasound as the cause.

My reccommendation remains unchanged for future pregnancies, consult perinatologist prior to conception and during pregnancy & get the tests for vonwillebrands because abnormal bleeding issues in the first trimester can often be effectively treated during early pregnancy lowering the risk in future pregnancies. I hope this gives you some peace of mind, now enjoy your baby.

 

[loveumms]

It is very unlikely that the doc caused your babies complications – your lack of fetal movement was probably the first sign that the baby was in trouble and the OB was trying to get some fetal movement. It is common practice to use the US probe to “wake” the baby up – to visualize movement. I have seen our MFM docs giggle the gravid abdomen quite vigorously to stimulate the fetus.

The OB was likely performing a biophysical profile (BPP) to assess the baby’s status. The BPP has several components – one of them being fetal movement (the others are NST, fetal breathing, muscle tone, fetal movement and amount of amniotic fluid). An OB/sonographer has 30 minutes to get the fetus to move and at 20 minutes the OB was probably very concerned that the fetus had not moved so was using the US probe as stimuli for movement.

Where were you getting the US done prior to the one at the OBs office? Many times, US do not pick up abnormalities b/c they are done in a facility that is not equipped with obstetric diagnostic sonographers. Remember, that many congenital abnormalities are not diagnosed properly with US - and if you had it done by a sonographer that is not an “expert” in obstetrics (which many are not) it lowers this number even further. This is simply b/c many sonographers are not doing OB US all day everyday, like the sonographers found in diagnostic OB centers.

No one will be able to tell you why you went into pre-term labor – if they could they would be receiving the Nobel Prize and a lot of money. This is b/c there is not anyone in this world that knows why woman go into pre-term labor. It is likely due to several reasons – one of them being your daughter needed to be delivered b/c something was happening in your uterus that created an environment that no longer allowed for fetal development.

You are very lucky that you got to the hospital when you did and were able to have an emergent C/S – it is also very wonderful that your daughter survived and is doing well (things could have been much worse). Please take rmets advice if you plan to get pregnant again and make sure that you find a specialist to take care of you.

 

[FLMommy]

Thanks you all. I find it very interesting that so many people here have all this information to offer us, while my or my daughter's doctors have no information to give us, no matter how often we request to speak with them and ask them questions. "loveumms": That is the type of US that was done. My husband and I were told that she was just having a "sleepy day", that everything was fine, and that there was nothing to worry about. I know I might never receive the answers (though I know one day I will, just won't be in the world ), but I find it awfully coincidental I went into labor (according to the medical files) right after that ultrasound. It just doesn't seem right to me, taken everything into account. The beginning of my pregnancy was not easy, but according to all the doctors, ultrasound specialists, sonographers, etc. everything was just fine my second and small beginning of third. If things weren't, SOMEONE should have noticed it either during that "rough" ultrasound, the routine one a week before that, or the other routine one 10 weeks before that, results from bloodtests, etc. etc. Instead we were told everything was FINE... according to most of you... apparently it wasn't... I'm sorry, but I call that neglect. Even now we ask the doctors and they have NO answers. Were they not thorough enough? How can you san our baby was just having a sleepy day... did he really believe she did? If the amniotic was measured during the 4 point (?) US why does my medical file read "minimal"? Something is fishy, and someone is not being honest, or simply incompetent. If our daughter had something congenital and I KNEW that I hadn't done anything to "cause" it (smoking, drinking, drugs, yadayada), I would have left it... it would have been hard, but it would have been "different" - hard to explain. What is hard is that 4 days before you deliver a premature baby (which is not as big of a deal... most come out just fine), who is diagnosed with hydroc. 10 days later (a-symptomatic) you have an ultrasound and are told everything is fine... Like I said, something isn't right. I just don't get it. I am not bitter about my beautiful delightful daughter having to face this the rest of her life. I am hurt, but I know God has a purpose. I know she will be just fine, and we're exactly the kind of parents she needs otherwise she would not have been given to us. I am however angry... cause given the timeframe... IMO someone screwed up. Mistakes happen, we all make them, that's why if we would make a case out of this, it wouldn't be like the "million dollar lawsuits."
Anyways, thanks for all your input... funny how people are willing to talk to me here, but none of the doctors will....

 

[rmet4nzkx]

What I have told you are some of the possibilities and why they can't answer your questions with a definative reason. The problems you had in early pregnancy can lead to PTL, PTL can cause hydrocephalus. Low amnio can cause PTL also, so you had two resons to have PTL and in turn baby to have hydrocephalus, there may have been more reasons, but you were at the point of going into PTL with or without the US if that was going to happen. If your baby stopped moving she could have been born stillborn or if she stayed in the womb longer she may have developed other problems associated with low amnio, as it is you have a healthy baby that may not even be here if she were not born then. The important thing to do is to plan ahead for your next child. When you consult the perinatologist, they will review all your medical records. Don't forget to get the test for vonWillebrand's.

 

[FLMommy]

What I have told you are some of the possibilities and why they can't answer your questions with a definative reason. The problems you had in early pregnancy can lead to PTL, PTL can cause hydrocephalus. Low amnio can cause PTL also, so you had two resons to have PTL and in turn baby to have hydrocephalus, there may have been more reasons, but you were at the point of going into PTL with or without the US if that was going to happen.

Why is my OB not telling me this when I ask? They have nothing to say to me... not even that my amnio was low... I just happen to stumble across it going through my daughter's medical file.

If your baby stopped moving she could have been born stillborn or if she stayed in the womb longer she may have developed other problems associated with low amnio, as it is you have a healthy baby that may not even be here if she were not born then. The important thing to do is to plan ahead for your next child. When you consult the perinatologist, they will review all your medical records. Don't forget to get the test for vonWillebrand's.

You/Someone else that replied referred to this earlier as well (when you indicated something must have been wrong when the baby wasn't moving 4 days before PTL) - why did the OB send me home saying everything was fine and she was just having a sleepy day? They weren't worried at all!!! In fact, the afternoon before I had my baby, which was 3 days after this US, I called the OB's office saying my BH's were severe, hurting, and coming at a fast pace. I was told to keep a log and they'd call me back in the morning. Well.... they did call me back in the morning... we got the message on the answering machine a few days later when I returned from the hospital... It is standard for the nurses to talk to the OB after a patient calls... well, obviously the OB wasn't worried then either that I was going PTL...

Did I also mention that the neuro-surgeon's office repeatedly called the OB's office requesting copies of the US that were done, not to mention they asked by fax (I had to fill out the forms to give my consent for transfer of medical files/film - which by the way, I also did on my own initiative at the OB's office), and I called them repeatedly and asked in PERSON during my post-op check ups? One time I said I really wanted a copy of the US, I was told my OB only had one copy and she couldn't give it out or whatever.... now what kind of crap is that??? The neuro-surgeon really wanted to see the US to determine if there were any signs of Hydro in utero. Luckily I remembered the last 2 US (not the one where our daughter had such decreased movement) were taped for us on regular VHS, so I brought her those.

What I am trying to say/do: I'm not trying to question y'all's judgement, advice or anything. I believe what you say above is all possible, and can all have led to PTL as well as Hydo. I guess I'm just trying to make you see that despite everything, no one (IOW OB) seemed to care enough - or they were ignorant - to worry and be professional about it. They don't give me possibilities/answers to q's like you all do, were not cooperative with the US release... If there was a remote possibility of something being/going wrong, after my OB doing/seeing that Ultrasound (when baby was not moving - actually there was minimal noticable activity... but I did count, and there weren't enough movements an hour ) - why was there no proper care or why were there no precautions taken? Why did no red light come on when I called and said the BH's were frequent and painful? I mean... doesn't that boil down to - maybe not MALpractice - but NEGLECT and INDIFFERENCE?

Thanks.

 

[rmet4nzkx]

Why is my OB not telling me this when I ask? They have nothing to say to me... not even that my amnio was low... I just happen to stumble across it going through my daughter's medical file.



You/Someone else that replied referred to this earlier as well (when you indicated something must have been wrong when the baby wasn't moving 4 days before PTL) - why did the OB send me home saying everything was fine and she was just having a sleepy day? They weren't worried at all!!! In fact, the afternoon before I had my baby, which was 3 days after this US, I called the OB's office saying my BH's were severe, hurting, and coming at a fast pace. I was told to keep a log and they'd call me back in the morning. Well.... they did call me back in the morning... we got the message on the answering machine a few days later when I returned from the hospital... It is standard for the nurses to talk to the OB after a patient calls... well, obviously the OB wasn't worried then either that I was going PTL...

Did I also mention that the neuro-surgeon's office repeatedly called the OB's office requesting copies of the US that were done, not to mention they asked by fax (I had to fill out the forms to give my consent for transfer of medical files/film - which by the way, I also did on my own initiative at the OB's office), and I called them repeatedly and asked in PERSON during my post-op check ups? One time I said I really wanted a copy of the US, I was told my OB only had one copy and she couldn't give it out or whatever.... now what kind of crap is that??? The neuro-surgeon really wanted to see the US to determine if there were any signs of Hydro in utero. Luckily I remembered the last 2 US (not the one where our daughter had such decreased movement) were taped for us on regular VHS, so I brought her those.

What I am trying to say/do: I'm not trying to question y'all's judgement, advice or anything. I believe what you say above is all possible, and can all have led to PTL as well as Hydo. I guess I'm just trying to make you see that despite everything, no one (IOW OB) seemed to care enough - or they were ignorant - to worry and be professional about it. They don't give me possibilities/answers to q's like you all do, were not cooperative with the US release... If there was a remote possibility of something being/going wrong, after my OB doing/seeing that Ultrasound (when baby was not moving - actually there was minimal noticable activity... but I did count, and there weren't enough movements an hour ) - why was there no proper care or why were there no precautions taken? Why did no red light come on when I called and said the BH's were frequent and painful? I mean... doesn't that boil down to - maybe not MALpractice - but NEGLECT and INDIFFERENCE?

Thanks.

While it may seem indifferent, it is still within the standard of care. I can't answer for them why they did or didn't do as they should in hindsight. If you are uncomfortable, find another OB-Gyn, your next pregnancy will be a high risk pregnancy and you will want to consult a perinatologist, perhaps they will be able to give you the answers you want.

 

[sheltielover]

Arizona

I just have 2 put my 2 cents in here. Although, I've never had a baby I do know this is how
you are treated in the medical setting. When something bad or wrong or misjudged on the medical staffs part, it seams as tho they don't know how to answer the person whom is asking the question. When this is done, it gives the apperance that they are "trying to hide something", or "they do not want to answer, afraid of a lawsuit". When infact if they just answer to the best of their ability, try to explain what may have happened people can understand better. They may not like the answer, but after time a person may come to realize that the doctor/assistant/nurse, etc may have had no other choice and then the person can deal with the outcome. But the way the medical professionals handle alot of this stuff is wrong.
I believe people just want an answer, a honest answer and not to be put off or engored, which is totally worse...people can respect someone if they are getting answers and they feel the person is telling the truth. Is that to much to ask anymore?

But boy, forget to put a check in the mail and there right there.....they know your name and address and everything else but when it comes to negileances or lack of ? they suck...

 

[rmet4nzkx]

Arizona

I just have 2 put my 2 cents in here. Although, I've never had a baby I do know this is how
you are treated in the medical setting. When something bad or wrong or misjudged on the medical staffs part, it seams as tho they don't know how to answer the person whom is asking the question. When this is done, it gives the apperance that they are "trying to hide something", or "they do not want to answer, afraid of a lawsuit". When infact if they just answer to the best of their ability, try to explain what may have happened people can understand better. They may not like the answer, but after time a person may come to realize that the doctor/assistant/nurse, etc may have had no other choice and then the person can deal with the outcome. But the way the medical professionals handle alot of this stuff is wrong.
I believe people just want an answer, a honest answer and not to be put off or engored, which is totally worse...people can respect someone if they are getting answers and they feel the person is telling the truth. Is that to much to ask anymore?

But boy, forget to put a check in the mail and there right there.....they know your name and address and everything else but when it comes to negileances or lack of ? they suck...

These forums are for the legal issues, not to express your personal opinion. It is not a vent, rant or support group.

It is not always possible for a provider to answer questions either because they simply don't have the answers or they may be held liable for their accuracy when there is more than one possibility or no answer, that is why an independent opinion is needed. I already answered OP specific questions based on the facts she presented here on the forum and also in a PM, even so, these are only possibilities and not a definative answer. What is important is to determine whether or not there was any negligence or malpractice. Iit appears that the standard of care was met. There is no guarentee of an outcome or that tests or proceedures have no risks associated with them. But in this case, there were more medical complecations during the pregnancy to account for the outcome than one uncomfortable US when they were trying to get baby to move, something they needed to do at that stage of the pregnancy. Next pregnancy she will want to consult a perinatologist based on the risk for another high risk pregnancy. Baby is doing well and mom is refered to support services. On this forum we tend to do a bit more than answer legal questions, because being proactive and informed will also help OP.