Carolyn M. Bohmueller and Joana Gaizelyte-Lacy represented a maternal fetal medicine specialist in a four-day trial in Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, and secured a defense verdict. The claim involved the stillbirth of fetus at 36 weeks gestation. The fetus had a single umbilical artery diagnosed at 20 weeks gestation and was closely monitored. At 35 weeks gestation the fetus was diagnosed with intrauterine growth restriction. After ultrasound evaluation and doppler studies along with a non-stress test, a plan was in place to see the patient twice weekly for non-stress tests and undergo doppler studies and amniotic fluid evaluation weekly. At the first non-stress test the patient alleged she complained of decreased fetal movement. A non-stress test performed that day was reassuring and reactive. At the following scheduled visit three days later, a fetal demise was diagnosed. The jury deliberated and quickly returned a verdict in favor of the maternal fetal specialist, finding he was not negligent.
