Understanding Preeclampsia During Pregnancy

Bringing a child into the world may be one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences of a woman’s life. However, when an unforeseen medical diagnosis enters the picture, it may have you questioning: what is my condition and what can happen during my delivery? Preeclampsia during pregnancy is a fairly common medical condition, and proper treatment by your medical provider will alleviate your concerns. However, if your doctor does not conduct the proper tests and fails to diagnose preeclampsia, you may be entitled to compensation.

Let’s take a closer look at what preeclampsia is and how a misdiagnosis may lead to a birth injury lawsuit.

What is Preeclampsia During Pregnancy? 

Preeclampsia during pregnancy is a serious condition of high blood pressure during pregnancy and in the first six weeks after delivery. Common symptoms are excess protein in urine, decreased levels of platelets in blood, increased liver enzymes and severe headaches. Preeclampsia is commonly diagnosed after 20 weeks of pregnancy, but in some instances, it can develop earlier or following delivery.

Throughout the world, it is one of the leading causes of maternal death when misdiagnosed by doctors, and the condition may cause birth injuries that endure for a child’s entire life if not treated properly.

Outlining Preeclampsia Risk Factors 

While preeclampsia is a fairly common medical condition, it is important that your obstetrician takes proper precautions to prevent further complications during and after delivery. The most common risk factors for preeclampsia during pregnancy are:

• First pregnancy;
• Having preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy;
• Chronic high blood pressure or kidney disease;
• Being pregnant with multiples;
• Obesity;
• Maternal age over 40;
• Family history of preeclampsia;
• Having type 1 or type 2 diabetes; or
• Becoming pregnant through in vitro fertilization.

The Consequences of a Delayed Diagnosis 

In any pregnancy, your doctor has a responsibility to provide you with the proper care. While preeclampsia during pregnancy does not have a cure, obstetricians are trained to understand the best ways to monitor your condition, reduce risk and safely bring your child into the world. As long as they practice the duty of care by conducting a full medical history, attending prenatal appointments and testing urine samples, they will be able to diagnose and prepare for preeclampsia during pregnancy.

If your doctor fails to meet the duty of care and misdiagnoses preeclampsia, there may be a just cause for a medical malpractice lawsuit or a birth injury lawsuit.

Connect with our Birth Injury Attorneys

Improper medical care during pregnancy and birth is a scary thought to consider. As birth injury attorneys, the team at Zevan Davidson Roman understands no dollar amount may be able to erase the memories of the past. We place hours of dedication into your case to help your family achieve the highest possible compensation — contact our attorneys to receive a free consultation.