Can I Sue for Negligent Care of Placental Abruption Symptoms During My Pregnancy?
The placenta is the main source of life for an unborn baby — supplying oxygen, nutrients and glucose to keep them healthy inside the womb. When that organ is damaged due to malpractice, it can result in life-altering consequences for the fetus and the mother. As birth injury attorneys, we have seen how placenta abruption can change a family’s life in an instant. Today, we are educating you on placental abruption symptoms that your doctor should know in order to ensure the safety of you and your baby.
What is a placental abruption?
Placental abruption occurs when the placenta is partly or completely severed from the inner wall of the uterus. While an uncommon condition, it may happen during the third trimester of pregnancy and cause your baby to not receive enough oxygen or nutrients.
If a placental abruption occurs and it goes untreated, your baby will be at higher risk for:
- Restricted growth
- Depleted oxygen
- Preterm birth
- Stillbirth
Additionally, mothers may be at an increased risk for prolonged issues if placental abruption is not dealt with promptly. They include:
- Shock from rapid blood loss
- Blood transfusions
- Blood clotting issues
- Failure of kidneys or other organs
- Hysterectomy
What are placental abruption symptoms?
Placental abruption symptoms often occur suddenly and are more common in the last few weeks before birth. However, symptoms may start sooner if medical malpractice causes the placental abruption. Signs and symptoms include:
- Vaginal bleeding
- Abdominal pain
- Back pain
- Uterine tenderness or rigidity
- Fast uterine contractions
The first sign of placental abruption symptoms is often pain in the back or abdominal area due to the separation of the placenta and additional bleeding. While vaginal bleeding is a large indicator of possible placental abruption, it may not be present at the time, so your doctor must be diligent and check your symptoms to make sure you and your baby are safe.
How is this condition treated?
If you believe you are having a placental abruption, you must get checked by your provider immediately. They will be able to assess placental abruption symptoms by doing a physical examination, listening to your baby’s heartbeat and conducting an ultrasound. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your doctor may immediately perform an emergency c-section or keep you under their observation in case milder symptoms worsen overtime.
How do I know if my doctor is negligent?
Doctors are trained to be prepared for a number of rapid decisions within a hospital setting, especially when it comes to delivering a baby. However, that does not prevent them from making errors. In the case of placental abruption, your doctor may be found negligent if they committed one of these three failures:
1. Failure to inform. If your doctor knew you had a higher risk for placental abruption and chose not to disclose this information to you, they may be held responsible if placental abruption symptoms escalated and caused you or your baby harm.
2. Failure to test. If your doctor fails to examine or test your placental abruption symptoms and a placental abruption occurs, a birth injury attorney will be able to help you file a claim against their misstep.
3. Failure to treat. If your symptoms are severe enough and they do not act with the appropriate treatment, they may be held responsible if you or your baby experienced a birth injury. Doctors must perform an emergency c-section if there is a confirmed placental abruption during your final weeks of pregnancy to ensure the health of you and your baby. If they do not, it may result in serious birth injuries such as cerebral palsy, Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) or developmental delays.
Free Consultation from Our Birth Injury Attorneys
Experiencing a medical emergency while you are pregnant is an unsettling experience and you expect your doctors to be prepared if they occur. As birth injury attorneys, we will be at your side every step of the way, from your first meeting with us until you receive the compensation you and your family deserve. Contact Zevan Davidson Roman to get your family’s life back on track with a free consultation.
