Baltimore Preeclampsia Birth Injury Lawyer
There are many serious conditions a pregnant woman could suffer from, and preeclampsia is one of them. While preeclampsia is a naturally occurring condition, doctors must take specific steps to ensure it does not become worse or harm the mother or child. If you or your child has been hurt due to a lack of treatment for this condition, it may be a case of medical malpractice. Our Baltimore preeclampsia birth injury lawyer can help you claim the full damages you deserve.
What is Preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia is a condition that causes high blood pressure during pregnancy. When a woman suffers from high blood pressure in the first six weeks after delivering her child, it is also considered preeclampsia. Women who suffer from preeclampsia will typically have increased protein in their urine. Preeclampsia may not sound like a serious condition, but it is. If left untreated, it can lead to eclampsia, which is a condition in pregnant women that can be life-threatening.
Preeclampsia is a very serious maternal condition. In fact, up to eight percent of pregnant women suffer from it. Just because it is common though, does not mean it should not be taken seriously. Preeclampsia is the leading cause of death in pregnant women. The condition can also lead to death in children under the age of five, as well as birth injuries.
Although doctors cannot always prevent preeclampsia from developing, they are responsible for promptly providing treatment to reduce the risk of harm to the mother and child. When doctors do not take preeclampsia seriously and it results in injury, they can be held liable for medical malpractice.
Symptoms of Preeclampsia
The most noticeable symptoms of preeclampsia include:
- Swelling, particularly in the face and hands
- Blurred vision
- Sudden weight gain
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Lower back pain
- Upper abdominal pain
- Shoulder pain
It is important pregnant women watch for these signs so they can notify their doctor any time they suffer from them. Still, in some cases, preeclampsia does not show any symptoms. The only way to detect the condition in some cases is through a blood pressure or urine test. A urine test will detect proteins, which is why these tests are so important. Most doctors will give pregnant women urine tests regularly to ensure their urine does not contain excess levels of protein, which may indicate preeclampsia.
Women who are diagnosed with preeclampsia are usually prescribed bed rest to lower their blood pressure. In severe cases, a woman may be admitted to the hospital so medical professionals can observe her condition on an ongoing basis. When doctors fail to prescribe the appropriate treatment, they can be held liable for medical malpractice.
A Preeclampsia Birth Injury Lawyer in Baltimore Can Help with Your Case
Preeclampsia is a very serious condition, which is why it is critical doctors test for and treat it as soon as it develops. If you have suffered from high blood pressure during pregnancy and you or your child suffered harm as a result, our Baltimore preeclampsia birth injury lawyer at Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman, LLC can help you claim the full damages you need to compensate for your losses. Call us today at 410-998-3600 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
