Neonatal hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can have serious complications for newborn babies. In this article, we’ll define the term “neonatal hypoglycemia” and explain how it relates to birth injury law.
Key Takeaways
- Neonatal hypoglycemia is when a newborn has low blood sugar levels
- Causes of neonatal hypoglycemia include poorly controlled gestational diabetes, infection, liver disease, and more
- Symptoms of neonatal hypoglycemia include seizures, apnea, shakiness, and more
- Risk factors for neonatal hypoglycemia include low birth weight, preterm birth, gestational diabetes, and more
- Treatment for neonatal hypoglycemia is focused on giving the baby glucose
- Complications of neonatal hypoglycemia include seizures, developmental delays, brain damage, and more
- When a doctor’s negligence leads to neonatal hypoglycemia, it may be considered medical malpractice
What Is Neonatal Hypoglycemia?
Neonatal hypoglycemia is when a newborn baby has low blood sugar levels. Specifically, neonatal hypoglycemia is defined as a plasma glucose level of less than 30 mg/dL (1.65 mmol/L) in the first 24 hours of life and less than 45 mg/dL (2.5 mmol/L) afterward. Neonatal hypoglycemia is the most common metabolic problem in newborn babies and can lead to serious complications.
Causes of Neonatal Hypoglycemia
Possible causes of neonatal hypoglycemia include:
- Poorly controlled diabetes in the pregnant parent
- Infection
- Birth defects
- Congenital metabolic diseases or hormone deficiencies
- Liver disease
- Incompatible blood types of the parent and baby
- Poor parental nutrition during pregnancy
- Tumor of the pancreas
- Not enough oxygen at birth
Symptoms of Neonatal Hypoglycemia
The most common signs and symptoms of neonatal hypoglycemia include:
- Seizures
- Apnea
- Poor muscle tone
- Shakiness
- Lack of interest in feeding
- Blue tint to skin and lips
- Low body temperature
- Lack of movement and energy
Risk Factors for Neonatal Hypoglycemia
The following are associated with a higher risk of neonatal hypoglycemia:
- Preterm birth
- Low birth weight
- Small size for gestational age
- Growth restriction
- The pregnant parent taking certain medicines such as terbutaline
- Gestational diabetes
- Birth under significant stress
- Large size for gestational age
Treatment for Neonatal Hypoglycemia
Treatments for neonatal hypoglycemia depend on the baby’s gestational age and overall health. They include:
- Giving the baby glucose and water mixture as an early feeding
- Giving glucose through an IV
- Monitoring blood glucose levels
Complications of Neonatal Hypoglycemia
Possible complications of neonatal hypoglycemia include:
- Neurologic damage
- Mental disability
- Seizures
- Developmental delays
- Personality disorders
- Impaired cardiovascular function
Neonatal Hypoglycemia and Birth Injury Law
There are many possible causes for neonatal hypoglycemia, including negligence on the part of healthcare providers. When a doctor mishandles a pregnancy or delivery, it can lead to birth asphyxia, which is a main cause of neonatal hypoglycemia. There are many mistakes that can cause birth asphyxia including:
- Improper fetal monitoring
- Ignoring signs of fetal distress
- Continuing a difficult labor past the point that it is safe
- Improperly using delivery assistance tools
If any of these actions or other failures to meet the duty of care lead to neonatal hypoglycemia and any of its complications, it may be considered medical malpractice. If this happened to your baby, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, pain, and suffering. It is recommended that you speak to an experienced birth injury attorney for a review of your case.
