What Is Preeclampsia?
Many women who call have a good understanding of what preeclampsia is after being diagnosed with it. But its is probably worth a review for those who are reading this and wondering if there is a medical malpractice lawsuit that can filed in Maryland. Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related condition that primarily affects the mother, but it can also pose severe risks for the unborn child. Preeclampsia has the following signs and symptoms (more explained below):
- High blood pressure
- Headaches
- Vision problems
- Kidney and liver issues
- Protein found in the urine
Preeclampsia usually begins after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Interestingly, women with preeclampsia have normal blood pressure before becoming pregnant. It is believed that preeclampsia is responsible for 76,000 maternal and 500,000 infant deaths each year. Therefore, it is crucial for doctors in Maryland to recognize the signs and to provide medical management of care according to the standards of care.
What Causes Preeclampsia?
The exact cause of preeclampsia is still unknown. There are various factors that can contribute to the condition. One that is most relevant is insufficient blood flow to the uterus. Other factors that increase the risk would be:
- A history of blood pressure, kidney disease or diabetes
- Being a first time mother
- Women over 35 years old
- Previous history of preeclampsia
- Family history of preeclampsia
- Autoimmune disorder, vascular, or renal disease
What Are The Signs and Symptoms of Preeclampsia?
It can develop with out any symptoms. High blood pressure may start slowly or may have a sudden onset. Monitoring blood pressure is important because it can be the first sign of a problem. If you have elevated blood pressure before being pregnant, then it is even more important to monitor increases of your otherwise elevated pre-pregnancy blood pressure. The other signs of headache and changes in vision, light sensitivity, upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, decreased urine output, decreased levels of platelets, and swelling (edema).
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you must tell your doctor because preeclampsia is a life threatening condition for you and your baby.
How Is Preeclampsia Diagnosed?
Preeclampsia is typically diagnosed through a combination of regular medical check-ups, monitoring of symptoms, and specific diagnostic tests. During your prenatal visits, your doctor will check your blood pressure and test your urine for protein. A significant amount of protein in your urine or a sharp increase in your blood pressure could be early signs of preeclampsia.
If preeclampsia is suspected, your doctor may also recommend blood tests to check your kidney and liver function, and to measure your platelet count. Ultrasound scans may be performed to monitor the baby's growth and assess the amount of amniotic fluid. A Doppler scan might also be used to measure the efficiency of blood flow to the placenta.
Remember, regular prenatal visits are crucial for diagnosing preeclampsia early. It's important to attend all your appointments, even if you feel well.
Most preeclampsia start of 34 weeks of pregnancy. If it is diagnosed before week 32, it is called early onset and the risks of morbidity (death) increases.
Complications of Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia can have serious ramifications for both mother and baby. For mothers, complications can range from cardiovascular disease, stroke, and kidney failure to more severe conditions like eclampsia, which causes seizures. HELLP syndrome, a variant of preeclampsia, can also occur and lead to life-threatening complications. One of the more dangerous complications is placental abruption. The placenta can separate from the wall of the uterus. Since the placenta is the lifeline for the baby, providing all the oxygen and nutrients, if it separates from the uterus, the baby will be brain damaged or will die.
For babies, the major concern is premature birth. Babies born prematurely may have difficulties breathing and feeding, as well as other health problems, and may also require a longer hospital stay. In severe cases, preeclampsia can lead to stillbirth.
While these complications are severe, it's important to note that early detection and proper medical care can greatly decrease the risk of these complications. This is why understanding preeclampsia and its symptoms is so crucial.
Treatment Options for Preeclampsia
The main cure for preeclampsia is delivery of the baby. However, if it's too early in your pregnancy, delivery may not be the best option for your baby. In such cases, you and your doctor will discuss ways to manage your preeclampsia and prolong your pregnancy until it is safer for the baby to be born.
Management may include medications to lower your blood pressure, bed rest, and regular monitoring of your blood pressure and urine. Your doctor may also recommend steroid injections to help speed up your baby's lung development in case an early delivery becomes necessary.
Remember, every case of preeclampsia is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Therefore, it's essential to work closely with your healthcare provider to find the best treatment plan for you.
Preventing Preeclampsia
While there's no surefire way to prevent preeclampsia, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. This includes regular prenatal visits, living a healthy lifestyle, managing pre-existing conditions, and knowing the symptoms of preeclampsia.
Some studies suggest that taking a low-dose aspirin or calcium supplements may reduce the risk of preeclampsia for high-risk women. However, you should never start taking any medication or supplement during pregnancy without first consulting with your healthcare provider.
Remember, prevention starts with awareness. By understanding the risk factors and maintaining good prenatal care, you can improve your overall pregnancy health and reduce the risk of developing preeclampsia.
Preeclampsia and Future Pregnancies
If you've had preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy, you may be wondering about your risk in future pregnancies. While having preeclampsia does increase your risk, it doesn't guarantee you'll have it again in future pregnancies. Most women who have had preeclampsia will not experience it again.
However, if you've had a severe case or early-onset preeclampsia, your risk may be higher. It's important to discuss your previous pregnancy history with your healthcare provider before planning another pregnancy. They can help you understand your risks and put together a plan to monitor you closely for signs of preeclampsia.
It's understandable to feel anxious about future pregnancies after experiencing preeclampsia. However, knowledge and early detection are your best defenses. Armed with the right information and support, you can approach future pregnancies with confidence and caution.
Preeclampsia Malpractice Lawsuit
The failure of doctors and hospital to recognize and treat preeclampsia can be the basis for a malpractice case in Maryland. The procedures for bringing a lawsuit is covered in other pages of this website.https://www.frankspectorlaw.com/why-should-you-call-a-maryland-birth-injury-lawyer
When there is a problem with blood flow or blood pressure in mom, the baby will be be negatively impacted unless delivered in a timely manner. If not, a baby can be born with brain damage, development delays and a failure to reach milestones.
What is a Preeclampsia Malpractice Case Worth?
Each case is different but a preeclampsia case can be worth millions of dollars in past medical expenses, future medical expenses and pain and suffering. Life expectancy has increased over the years for brain damaged babies because of the advancement of medicine and medical technology. A child can leave many decades well into adulthood. That is why settlements for preeclampsia lawsuits can be so high.
Can A Baltimore Maryland Lawyer Sue For Preeclampsia Malpractice?
Yes. Frank Spector has over 30 years experience in handling cases like preeclampsia. I am familiar with the medicine, know the law, and can put a team together to get you the money you deserve.
Talk to an experienced preeclampsia lawyer. The consultation is free and and you don't pay unless the case is won.