Maryland Placental Abruption Lawyers
While pregnancy can be exciting, many things can happen during labor and childbirth. One of these things is placental abruption. While uncommon, it can be very serious. Has placental abruption happened to you? Has it caused serious damages? If so, contact the experienced Maryland placental abruption lawyers at Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman to learn more about your legal options.
During pregnancy, the placenta develops in the uterus and attaches to it. It supplies the baby with oxygen and nutrients. When placental abruption occurs, the placenta separates from the uterus before delivery. This can decrease the baby’s oxygen supply. It can happen suddenly, causing heavy bleeding in the mother and endangering both the mother and the baby.
Placental abruption is most likely to occur in the last few weeks before birth, although it can happen any time after 20 weeks of pregnancy. If only a very small part of the placenta separates from the uterus wall, then it is considered mild. A mild placental abruption is not usually dangerous, but it can lead to complete separation, so it should be monitored by your doctor.
Symptoms of Placental Abruption
Signs of placental abruption include:
- Abdominal pain
- Back pain
- Vaginal bleeding
- Tender uterus
- Uterine contractions
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, get to the hospital right away. Your doctor will assess your situation and you may need to give birth right away in order for your baby to survive. You will likely have to have an emergency C-section.
Causes of Placental Abruption
Placental abruption can happen due to:
- Abdominal trauma
- Multiple fetuses (being pregnant with twins, triplets, etc.)
- Being over the age of 40
- Previous incidence of placental abruption
- High blood pressure
- Preeclampsia or eclampsia
- Smoking
- Drug use during pregnancy (particularly cocaine)
- Early rupture of membranes (before 37 weeks of pregnancy)
- Uterine infection
- Problems with the uterus or umbilical cord
Complications
Both the baby and mother can suffer complications due to placental abruption. For the baby, complications may include:
- Not getting enough oxygen
- Restricted growth
- Premature birth
- Stillbirth
The mother will often suffer severe blood loss, which can lead to the following:
- Shock
- Anemia
- Necessary blood transfusion
- Blood clotting problems
- Kidney failure and issues with other organs
- Possible hysterectomy
When Medical Malpractice May Be Involved
When placental abruption occurs, it may be considered medical malpractice if any of the following situations have happened:
- Failure to evaluate risk factors and causes of placental abruption in the pregnant mother
- Failure to perform an emergency C-section in a timely manner
- Failure to treat placental abruption with fluids and blood transfusions in a timely manner
Contact Us Today
Placental abruption can lead to serious complications. Doctors need to act quickly in these cases to save the baby and mother.
If you have suffered placental abruption due to a doctor’s negligence, speak to the experienced Maryland personal injury lawyers at Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman today. Schedule a free consultation today to learn more. Call 410-998-3600 today.
