Main Takeaways: Uterine contractions can compress the blood vessels in the uterus, potentially interfering in the transfer of oxygen to the placenta and the baby. In a normal labor, one contraction every two to three minutes or less than five contractions in a 10 minute period is ideal. A uterus must rest between contractions, having […]
Archives for February 2018
Proving Causation in Medical Malpractice Cases
In order to succeed in a medical malpractice case, the patient must prove, on the balance of probabilities, the following: That the medical practitioner in question (physician, nurse, midwife etc.) owed the plaintiff a duty of care (usually not an issue), A breach of the standard of care required of any reasonably competent practitioner of […]
The Importance of Ultrasound in Pregnancy
Main Takeaways: An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of a developing baby, the mother’s placenta, and uterus, usually during the second trimester. An ultrasound can provide very important diagnostic information about a developing baby, including confirming the pregnancy and gestational age; checking for multiple pregnancies, congenital anomalies, and/or problems with the […]
Contingency Fees – Access To Justice In Birth Injury Cases
High Costs of Litigation As Canadians, we do not pay medical fees directly. Instead, the physicians who treat us are paid by provincial medical insurance plans which are funded by our tax dollars. This of course is not the case for lawyers. Unless we qualify for provincially funded legal aid, which is limited to criminal […]
Fetal Size, Percentile and Growth During Pregnancy
Main Takeaways: In certain pregnancies, such as premature or preterm babies, the size and growth of the fetus matters. Obstetricians use their experience, the fundal height of the mother, and an ultrasound to determine the fetal size. A term pregnancy of at least 37 weeks or more has an average weight of 6 pounds 6 […]
Pain and Suffering in Birth Injury Claims
Capped But Still Significant in Canada One of the most common pain and suffering damages questions we are asked is “what is my case worth?” The amount of damages available to a birth injury plaintiff depends on: the amount of the cost of care, which is determined by a cost of care expert during the […]
Scalp Electrode for Fetal Heart Monitoring
Main Takeaways: A scalp electrode is applied to a fetus’ scalp which monitors the baby’s heart, similar to an ECG A scalp electrode monitors a fetus’ heart rate more accurately than an external monitoring method for a variety of reasons. Internal methods of heart monitoring are only of use after membranes have ruptured and when […]
Biophysical Profiles
Biophysical profiles are a form of test used to assess fetal well-being, usually performed during the third trimester. This test was developed by Dr. Frank Manning, an obstetrician who practiced in Winnipeg before moving to New York. It has been in use for approximately 30 years and is a relatively simple, risk-free procedure that can […]
