Know the Risks of Birth Trauma: 5 Potential Pregnancy Complications During a Second Pregnancy
If you’ve given birth once, you’re officially a veteran of labor and delivery. Your second pregnancy, however, is not guaranteed to be like the first, and the delivery is unlikely to be the same either. Even though you have a better idea of what to expect the second time around, proper medical care during your pregnancy is essential to prevent or treat complications of second pregnancies. Getting the proper care during your pregnancy can help lower the risks of birth trauma.
If you had complications during your first pregnancy, such as high blood pressure, preeclampsia, or gestational diabetes during your first pregnancy, you may be more likely to have the same problems in subsequent pregnancies. Your risk automatically rises for certain conditions after your first pregnancy.
Here are 5 potential pregnancy complications during a second pregnancy:
- Placental abruption. When the placenta partially or completely separates from your uterus before the baby is born, the infant can be deprived of oxygen and nutrients. Severe bleeding can also occur. If a placental abruption goes unnoticed, your child could be born prematurely or suffer brain trauma or growth problems.
- Postpartum hemorrhaging (PPH). Postpartum hemorrhaging can be fatal if not treated properly. It is an obstetrician’s job to monitor expectant mothers for this condition. You are at greater risk for PPH if you have uterine problems, a blood condition, placental abruption, placenta previa, infection, retained placenta, preeclampsia, and more. Maternal death is possible if hemorrhaging is not gotten under control immediately.
- Premature labor and birth. If your first child was delivered prematurely, your second pregnancy could result in the same complication. Your obstetrician should monitor you carefully for any signs of potential preterm labor and work to stop the labor. The earlier your infant is delivered, the greater the risk of health problems, and the greater the potential of death.
- Low amniotic fluid. Low levels of amniotic fluid are more likely in the third trimester of pregnancy, which means if this is a condition you suffer from, your child has a better chance of survival since you are closer to your due date. Placenta problems could lead to low amniotic fluid, as well as a tear in the amniotic membranes, carrying multiples, and fetal abnormalities. Low levels of amniotic fluid make labor complications more likely.
- Complacency. If you had an easy and successful first pregnancy, labor, and delivery, you may be quick to assume that nothing could go wrong in the second pregnancy. While you don’t have to be on high alert, it is still important to keep your prenatal appointments and to trust that your obstetrician is giving you the care you deserve.
Being aware of the risks to you and your unborn child will help you – and your obstetrician – take the proper precautions during your prenatal care to reduce risks of pregnancy complications, birth injury or maternal distress.
It Is Possible to Prevent Birth Trauma for You and Your Child
Always keep in mind that anything can happen in the delivery room. You may be assigned to a less-than-experienced obstetrician. You may be cared for by incredibly distracted nurses. You may suddenly develop pregnancy complications that are not handled properly. The risks during labor and delivery are to the child, but also to the mother.
If you or someone you love has been affected by improper care during pregnancy or delivery that led to a preventable birth trauma, contact Thurswell Law for a free consultation with one of our experienced medical malpractice attorneys. We do not charge any fees unless you collect. Call (248) 354-2222 today to schedule your consultation.
