Premature Birth

A premature baby is defined, medically speaking, as a baby that is born 37 weeks or less after a pregnancy has occurred. It is important to note that the average pregnancy takes 40 weeks, or approximately 10 months, to come to term, as opposed to the popular conception of a nine-month term.

One of the most common side effects of premature birth is low birth weight, although a number of health problems can also occur as a result of a premature birth. These issues can be costly from both a financial and emotional perspective.

Because so many factors are involved in the entire process of labor, it is difficult to pinpoint any universal, specific cause for premature birth. However, a number of causes have been noted and can lead to premature birth. Conditions in the mother such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and thyroid disease can all contribute to a premature birth, as can the abuse of common substances such as tobacco or alcohol.

Many of these causes are either natural, or can be controlled by the mother. However, a number of external factors beyond a mother’s control can lead to a premature birth or low birth weight. If you experience a premature birth or a baby with low birth weight, it is important you discuss the issue with your medical practitioner to determine what factors may have contributed to the situation. An experienced lawyer can offer legal advice if your medical practitioner believes that the premature birth may be the result of a specific, external factor.

Contact Us

Premature birth can have devastating effects on a child’s well-being. If you believe that your child’s premature birth was the result of insufficient or improper medical care, you may be able to secure compensation for the unnecessary pain and suffering your family has experienced. For more information, contact the Philadelphia birth injury attorneys of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C., at 215-238-1130.