Threats to the Health of Mother and Fetus
Injury or Death from Preeclampsia or Gestational Diabetes
Complications of pregnancy can be life-threatening for both the mother and her developing fetus. Proper maternity care and prenatal monitoring by doctors and nurses should allow early detection and treatment of life threatening conditions.
If your baby was injured or there was a fetal or maternal death because of an undiagnosed medical condition, or you have a lasting injury, contact the medical malpractice lawyers of Becker & Mishkind Co., L.P.A. We have a solid record of holding physicians and hospitals accountable for birth injury, infant death, or maternal death.
Free Consultation: Our skilled trial attorneys have prevailed in preeclampsia lawsuits and other pregnancy litigation throughout Ohio. Call 1-800-826-2433 to discuss your case. We have offices in Cleveland and Elyria, or we can come to you.
Preeclampsia
Many pregnant women develop dangerously high blood pressure, a serious but highly treatable condition known as preeclampsia or pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH).
- Undiagnosed, the mother can suffer eclamptic convulsions (seizures) or stroke, resulting in brain damage, kidney or liver damage, or even death.
- Eclamptic seizures can result in an abruption or separation of the placenta from the uterus.
- Untreated preeclampsia is a leading cause of premature labor and birth, putting the fetus at serious risk of death or birth defects such as epilepsy, cerebral palsy, blindness or deafness.
- H.E.L.L.P. Syndrome - a severe form of preeclampsia can result from untreated preeclampsia.
A competent obstetrician (OB/GYN) should closely monitor women at high risk of preeclampsia: first pregnancy, advanced maternal age, multi-gestational pregnancy, history/family history of blood pressure disorders or those with gestational diabetes.
Gestational Diabetes
In pregnancy, a pregnant mother may develop an elevated level of glucose (blood sugar). This is called gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes has some risks for the mother, and can seriously harm the baby including:
- Prematurity — Gestational diabetes can lead to preeclampsia and all the complications of premature birth.
- Macrosomia — Unable to metabolize the excess glucose, the fetus grows too fat, increasing the risk of shoulder dystocia injuries at birth.
- DKA — Diabetic ketoacidosis in the mother which can impair oxygenation of the unborn baby.
- Hypoglycemia — The newborn's suddenly low blood sugar can cause respiratory problems, and later lead to childhood obesity and Type 2 diabetes.
Gestational diabetes is treated through diet, exercise, medication and sometimes by insulin. Negligence claims arise from the doctor's missed diagnosis or mismanagement of this condition.
Did You Receive Proper Prenatal Care?
We have won cases in which doctors failed to monitor the mother's blood pressure, glucose and order simple tests. Your provider — whether an OB/GYN, a family practice doctor, or a midwife — also must know how to safeguard mother and child when preeclampsia or diabetes develops.
Contact Becker & Mishkind at 1-800-826-2433 if you believe medical professionals failed in their duty to prevent harm.
