The placenta is a vital organ that develops only during pregnancy to deliver oxygen and nutrients to a growing infant. Placental abruption is a serious pregnancy complication that can place the mother and child in jeopardy before or during labor. If a doctor fails to react appropriately to placental abruption, you may have grounds to file a medical malpractice claim in Minneapolis.
What Is Placental Abruption?
Placental abruption occurs when the placenta separates from the uterine wall too early, before the delivery of the child. This is a dangerous pregnancy complication that can leave the infant without their lifeline. Both partial and total placental abruption can negatively impact the baby in utero. It can also cause severe internal bleeding (exsanguination) and other health problems in the mother.
The Dangers of Placental Abruption
Premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall can result in a decrease or total elimination of the infant’s supply of oxygen and nutrients. If left untreated, the baby could suffer brain damage, organ damage, and other harm from inadequate oxygen and sustenance. The mother can also suffer from internal bleeding, organ damage and shock.
Signs of placental abruption can include sudden abdominal or back pain, vaginal bleeding, and cramping. However, many women don’t exhibit any signs of placental abruption – especially when the detachment is chronic, or occurs slowly over time. Signs in the infant can include restricted growth and premature birth.
What Are the Causes of Placental Abruption?
Placental abruption typically occurs suddenly and without warning. The cause is often unknown. However, certain things can increase the risk of this pregnancy complication:
- Trauma, such as a car accident or bad fall
- Maternal health conditions, such as high blood pressure
- Tobacco smoking or drug use
- Advanced maternal age (over 40)
- Medical history of placental abruption
If a patient presents risk factors for placental abruption, the OBGYN or physician should be adequately prepared for this potential issue.
Placental Abruption and Medical Malpractice Cases
Medical malpractice is a serious type of professional negligence, or failure to act with proper care, that can lead to patient injuries and deaths. If a physician falls short of the standard of care for his or her professional practice, this is known as malpractice. When malpractice results in birth injuries, the doctor can be held liable (financially responsible).
Doctors must be properly trained on how to detect, react and respond to cases of placental abruption. A physician should know how to recognize the warning signs of premature placental detachment and take immediate action to treat the issue. Appropriate responses may include additional monitoring, medications to facilitate faster infant development and possible early delivery of the child.
If a reasonable and prudent doctor would have done something differently to identify placental abruption sooner or treat the patient to minimize harm to mother and child, the attending doctor may be found liable in a medical malpractice claim. This could lead to financial compensation being given to the injured party for related injuries, medical bills, pain and suffering, and more.
When to Speak to an Attorney
If you suffered a placental abruption during your pregnancy and believe that a physician is responsible for not doing more to treat this complication, contact an attorney for a free consultation about a potential birth injury claim. You and your family may be eligible for compensation from the doctor or hospital to help make you whole again.