Preeclampsia affects roughly 5-8% of all pregnancies. It is a medical condition that is marked by very high blood pressure and damage to organs, such as the kidneys or liver. The best way to treat preeclampsia is to deliver a baby; however, that is not always possible if the condition develops too early in the pregnancy.
Many doctors successfully treat preeclampsia, but if one does not, then mothers and babies can suffer serious injury, even death. As experienced Miami medical malpractice attorneys, we will help you hold a doctor or other medical professional accountable when they fail to follow the proper standard of care. Preeclampsia is very difficult to treat, but that does not mean that doctors can be negligent.
Symptoms of Preeclampsia
This condition can have a sudden onset or develop more slowly over time. Mothers might experience any of the following symptoms:
- Intense headaches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of vision
- Decreased urine
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling in face and hands
Mothers also have increased protein in their urine, though this will not be obvious absent a medical test. If you develop any of the above symptoms, you should immediately go to the hospital.
Complications
The complications for mothers and babies can be serious. Some of the problems include seizures in the mother, a condition known as eclampsia. Mothers can also experience organ damage in their eyes, lungs, heart, liver, or kidneys. Other mothers might have a stroke, which could prove fatal.
Babies can also suffer from low birth weight, cerebral palsy, and other complications. Often, these complications are not apparent for years after delivery, and some families might not suspect that untreated preeclampsia was to blame.
Medical Error and Preeclampsia
The correct treatment will depend on the circumstances but can include immediate C-section delivery if the fetus is developed enough or the administration of drugs to reduce blood pressure or prevent seizure. Doctors might also prescribe steroid injections to accelerate the development of the baby’s lungs so that delivery can be fast-tracked.
With the onset of seizures, a mother has developed eclampsia, which is a medical emergency. She should be admitted into the hospital and possibly be given magnesium sulfate to prevent more seizures.
If a doctor ignores symptoms of preeclampsia or delays necessary treatment, then tragic consequences can result. Delayed or improper treatment can lead to injuries in either mother or child.
Call a Medical Malpractice Lawyer in Miami
For answers to questions about your legal rights, contact Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein today. Our Miami medical malpractice attorneys can analyze whether you have a valid legal claim against the doctor and offer compassionate legal guidance during a very difficult time. Call 305-371-2692 to schedule a free consultation.