Pregnancy and childbirth can be dangerous times for both the baby and mother. That is especially true when doctors miss serious health conditions.
For example, normally, the placenta that nourishes the baby in the womb is securely attached to the uterine wall. However, in rare cases, trauma or genetic conditions can cause the placenta to detach partially or wholly. This is known as placental abruption.
What happens when the placenta prematurely detaches from the uterine wall?
When the placenta detaches from the uterus, the baby can be deprived of essential nutrients and oxygen. The mother may experience significant internal bleeding, infection, and other complications. This is especially true when the condition goes untreated. The lives of both mother and child are automatically in danger with an abruption, and it should be treated as a medical emergency.
Unfortunately, the signs of placental abruption are not always obvious. Vaginal bleeding may or may not occur. If it does, it may not be particularly dramatic because the blood may simply be pooling inside the mother’s uterus. Other symptoms include:
- Sudden, severe abdominal pain or back pain;
- Uterine tenderness, distension or rigidity; and
- Sudden, constant uterine contractions.
It is important to note that a sudden placenta abruption often occurs in the third trimester, so it can be mistaken for labor. Other times, it can happen slowly, which can affect a baby’s development and decrease the amniotic fluid in the womb that they need to survive.
If your doctor missed the signs of a placenta abruption entirely, did not take your symptoms seriously, or did not take decisive action right away, you may have a valid medical malpractice claim. If you or your child were injured were injured as a result of medical malpractice, the experienced attorneys at Sutten Law Group, LLC, (505) 990-RICK (7425), can help you understand your legal right to compensation.
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