Labor and childbirth are times of great anticipation and vulnerability. When a mother goes into labor, she depends on the skill and expertise of the medical staff treating her and her child. Unfortunately, complications may arise during labor, and if not properly treated, they could cause devastating harm to the infant. Placental abruption is one serious complication that may cause loss of oxygen and nutrition to the baby and health consequences for the mother as well.
Physicians trained to recognize placental abruption should act quickly to treat the condition. Negligent medical care may cause placental abruption to go without proper treatment, leading to long-term harm to the baby. If this happens to you, a Southfield placental abruption lawyer could help you explore your legal options. Our birth injury attorneys at Thurswell Law could guide you through your rights and determine if you have a case.
What Is Placental Abruption?
During pregnancy, the placenta attaches to the wall of the uterus and supplies the baby with oxygen and nutrients. The placenta must stay securely in place to protect the baby’s health. Placental abruption occurs when the placenta separates partially or completely from the uterine wall before delivery. When this happens, the fetus may suffer brain damage and other serious complications. The mother might also suffer heavy, life-threatening bleeding as a result.
Placental abruption is rare, but it is an emergency that requires rapid treatment when it occurs. A complete abruption may cause the baby to lose oxygen entirely while the mother is in labor. Serious cases typically require immediate delivery, and healthcare providers must diagnose and treat the condition promptly.
Complications for a baby from placental abruption may include:
- Lack of oxygen
- Permanent brain damage
- Restricted growth
- Cerebral palsy
- Learning disabilities
- Seizure or motor disorders
- Premature birth
- Stillbirth
For a mother, complications from placental abruption could include:
- Hemorrhage
- Shock caused by blood loss
- Kidneys or other organ failure
- Blood clotting issues
- A possible hysterectomy
Placental abruption may have devastating consequences for both mother and child. If medical negligence worsens the issue, our Southfield attorneys with experience in placental separation cases could work to hold the negligent party responsible. At Thurswell Law, our experience gets results when you need legal help after a complicated birth.
Common Causes of Placental Abruption
The cause of placental abruption is not always clear. However, certain risk factors may elevate the chances of placental abruption occurring. Some potential risk factors include:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- A prior history of placental abruption
- Preeclampsia
- Uterine infection
- The mother’s age
- Use of cigarettes, alcohol, or drugs during pregnancy
- Trauma from a fall or blow to the abdomen
Nurses and physicians receive training on the symptoms of placental abruption, especially in high-risk patients. If a Southfield healthcare provider fails to identify risks and take proper measures, our placental complication attorneys could investigate on your behalf.
Symptoms of Placental Abruption
Recognizing the symptoms of placental abruption is crucial. These may include:
- Abdominal pain
- Back pain
- Vaginal bleeding
- Uterine tenderness
- Rapid contractions
These symptoms might begin slowly or suddenly, but they require treatment as quickly as possible. If Southfield providers fail to correctly treat these symptoms of placental abruption, our lawyers could pursue legal action against them.
Call a Southfield Placental Abruption Attorney Today
Placental abruption is a pregnancy complication that may have serious consequences if not quickly diagnosed and treated. When medical negligence leads to harm for the baby or mother, an experienced Southfield placental abruption lawyer could pursue a claim on your family’s behalf. You pay no fee until we win your case. Call now to schedule a free consultation.