When Does a Blood Clot During Pregnancy Lead to a Lawsuit?
While anyone has the ability to develop a blood clot, women have a significantly higher risk during pregnancy, childbirth and the months following delivery. According to the CDC, women are up to 5 times more likely to experience a blood clot during pregnancy. Blood clots not only present a risk for mothers, but they also place stress on your baby. Your doctor has a duty to screen you for the risks of blood clots and quickly treat it if one should arise.
While complications from blood clots during pregnancy are rare, our birth injury attorneys are well prepared to help you navigate your case and hold those responsible accountable for their negligence.
The Causes of Pregnancy-Related Blood Clots
Blood clots happen for various reasons, but there are a few causes that lead to an increased risk especially when pregnant. During delivery, a woman’s blood clots quicker to lessen the amount of blood loss during the labor process. Pregnant women may also obtain a blood clot due to the reduced amount of blood flow to their legs in the later stages of pregnancy as the baby prepares for delivery.
Additional risks for a blood clot in pregnant women include:
- Family or personal history of blood clots of a blood clotting disorder;
- Having a previous delivery by C-section;
- Delivering multiple babies such as twins or triplets;
- Experiencing prolonged immobility due to bed rest or recovery from delivery;
- Experiencing additional pregnancy and childbirth complications; or
- Diagnosed with a long-term medical condition or diabetes.
Your Doctor’s Role in Treating Blood Clots
During pregnancy, your doctor must be diligent in educating you on your risk factors, next steps and quick treatment of blood clots. If a blood clot is present during pregnancy, delivery or in the weeks following, you may be given medications to prevent or reduce blood clots. Regardless of if a blood clot is present your doctor has a duty to provide you and your baby with the best care possible.
If your doctor blatantly ignored or failed to treat a blood clot during pregnancy and it led to a birth injury, it could be considered negligent behavior. During delivery, your doctor also has a duty to correctly monitor any changes you or your baby may experience during the delivery process and conduct an emergency c-section if necessary.
Pursuing Legal Action for a Birth Injury
When you have been harmed by those responsible for your and your baby’s safety, our attorneys seek to hold those responsible for their actions. A blood clot during pregnancy is a serious issue that requires your doctor’s full attention. If you believe you or your baby received inadequate care, contact the birth injury attorneys at Zevan Davidson Roman to begin building your case.
