Maryland Uterine Rupture Lawyers
Medical malpractice during labor and delivery can happen in a number of ways. One of these ways is uterine rupture. A uterine rupture involves the complete division of all three layers of the uterus: the endometrium, myometrium, and perimetrium.
When a woman experiences uterine rupture, it could seriously injure or kill not only the baby but the mother as well. If the baby survives, it could suffer lifelong complications that may affect the baby physically and mentally. If you have experienced uterine rupture, contact the experienced Maryland uterine rupture lawyers at Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman to get more information about your legal rights and options.
Causes of Uterine Rupture
Uterine rupture can happen in the following ways:
- Uterine overdistention (due to multifetal pregnancy)
- Fetal anomalies
- Trauma to your abdomen
- Uterine surgical procedures
- Use of certain drugs, such as Cytotec or Cervidil
- External or internal fetal version
- Previous organ removal
- Excessive number of pregnancies
- Excessive contractions
- Failure to recognize labor dystocia
- Vaginal delivery after a cesarean section
Symptoms of Uterine Rupture
Uterine rupture often comes with the following symptoms:
- Acute abdominal pain
- Vaginal bleeding
- Lack of fetal heartbeat
- Fetal distress
- Change in contraction patterns
With proper monitoring, your doctor can assess these symptoms and determine the proper course of treatment. Uterine rupture would necessitate the prompt delivery of your baby, which allows for neonatal care. Your doctor can also repair your uterine wall by stitching up the rupture site.
If your doctor ignores these symptoms, and you or your baby is affected, you may be able to sue for medical malpractice.
Uterine Rupture Complications
Uterine rupture disrupts blood flow to the baby, which can be serious, since blood contains oxygen that is vital for the brain and other organs. A lack of blood flow can lead to complication such as:
- Asphyxia. This refers to a lack of oxygen, which can damage tissues and brain cells.
- Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. This is a brain injury caused by lack of oxygen and blood.
- Cerebral palsy. Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy can lead to balance problems and movement issues, which may be diagnosed as cerebral palsy as the baby gets older.
Uterine rupture can make future pregnancies complicated. It’s best to consider a cesarean section for future pregnancies so that your doctor can deliver your baby without the pressure of contractions and labor. If you do choose to have a vaginal delivery following a cesarean section, make sure you understand the risks involved.
Contact Us Today
While vaginal birth after a C-section is a common experience, it comes with some risks, such as uterine rupture. Doctors need to be aware of a pregnant woman’s medical history and plan accordingly.
Have you suffered uterine rupture due to a doctor’s negligence? If so, the experienced personal injury lawyers at Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman can help you obtain compensation for your damages. We’ll help you understand your legal options when it comes to medical malpractice. Call our office today at 410-998-3600 for a free consultation.
