Is Preeclampsia Preventable If You Receive Adequate Medical Care?
November 14th, 2017If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, you probably already know about the importance of regular prenatal visits with your obstetrician. As an expectant mother, it is up to you to schedule and attend regular doctor’s appointments to ensure you remain healthy and the fetus is developing properly.
You are not the only one responsible for the health of both you and your baby, though, because you must rely on your obstetrician to provide a reasonable standard of care. Sadly, expectant mothers can do everything right on their end and still end up suffering birth trauma because of a negligent healthcare provider.
For example, if a woman presents with signs of preeclampsia but her doctor fails to diagnose and manage the condition, it could threaten both her life and the life of her baby before, during, or after delivery.
If your obstetrician failed to provide you with adequate prenatal care and you or your baby suffered as a result, you may have grounds for a birth injury claim. Contact The Bowling Christiansen Law Firm to discuss your case with a Jackson medical malpractice lawyer.
David A. Bowling has more than 30 years of trial experience, and he will fight tirelessly for the compensation you deserve. Call (504) 586-5200 to schedule a case evaluation and determine the best way to proceed.
Is Preeclampsia Preventable?
Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder in pregnant women that can damage the liver and kidneys. In severe cases, it can even have life-threatening complications.
According to The Mayo Clinic, preeclampsia typically develops after the twentieth week of pregnancy. Although it can arise in any pregnant woman, some people are more likely to get it than others. Risk factors of preeclampsia include:
- A personal or family history of the condition;
- Chronic high blood pressure prior to pregnancy;
- Obesity;
- Lupus;
- Kidney disease;
- Diabetes; and
- Conception through in vitro fertilization.
The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine has acknowledged that since the underlying cause of preeclampsia is unknown, researchers cannot conFirm whether the condition is preventable; however, healthcare providers should know its risk factors so they can monitor patients who are most likely to develop it. They should also know the symptoms so they can address it immediately should it arise. Symptoms of preeclampsia include:
- Swollen hands and face;
- Sudden weight gain;
- Blurred vision;
- Difficulty breathing;
- Severe pain below the ribs;
- Nausea and vomiting; and
- A severe, persistent headache.
Pregnant women who experience any of the above symptoms should call their healthcare provider immediately. If a thorough exam results in a diagnosis of preeclampsia, an obstetrician will devise a treatment plan that depends on a variety of factor, including the gestational age of the baby, the health of the mother, and the overall progression of the condition.
If you exhibited the symptoms of preeclampsia but your doctor did not respond accordingly, contact The Bowling Christiansen Law Firm. David A. Bowling can assess your case to determine if you may be entitled to compensation.
Call (504) 586-5200 to schedule a consultation with a birth injury attorney in Jackson. You can learn more about birth injury claims in Mississippi by visiting the USAttorneys website.
