Birth Injury Attorney Cleveland
When a birth injury occurs in an already high-risk pregnancy, there can be long-lasting physical, mental, and emotional health challenges. If your family has been impacted by a birth injury, it’s important for mom and baby to continue to have access to medical care—and that you reach out to me regarding a birth injury lawsuit.
What is a High Risk Pregnancy?
A high-risk pregnancy, also known as a high-risk obstetric situation, refers to a pregnancy where there is a higher chance of complications for either the mother, the fetus, or both. These complications can arise due to various medical, genetic, environmental, or lifestyle factors and may sometimes lead to birth injuries, and birth injury lawsuits if negligence is suspected.
One factor contributing to a higher risk pregnancy is advanced maternal age, where women become pregnant at an older age, typically over 35. Women of advanced maternal age face a greater risk of complications, including gestational diabetes and birth injuries to the baby. In such cases, medical professionals closely monitor the pregnancy and may recommend medical intervention or specialized care to mitigate these risks.
In some instances, medical malpractice lawsuits can arise if healthcare professionals fail to provide appropriate care during a risky pregnancy, leading to adverse outcomes. These lawsuits often involve allegations of negligence in managing conditions like gestational diabetes or other medical complications associated with advanced maternal age.
It’s crucial for expectant mothers with high risk pregnancies to receive comprehensive prenatal care. They must also collaborate closely with healthcare providers to develop a care plan tailored to their specific needs. This proactive approach aims to minimize the risks associated with higher maternal age and other factors, reducing the likelihood of birth injury cases. This is to ensure the best possible outcome for both mother and baby.
As a birth injury lawyer with more than 40 years of experience, I can help your family, even if involves going up against a large hospital or institution. I have the financial resources to go up against anyone who caused harm to you or your baby. You deserve to focus on the health and well-being of your family, and that means calling in an expert to represent your legal interests. Call me and I’ll Make Them Pay!®
Factors For A High Risk Pregnancy
When a pregnancy is complex and potentially dangerous for the mother or the baby, it is classified as a high-risk pregnancy. With a high risk pregnancy, it is absolutely essential to have frequent prenatal care visits. Additional testing and monitoring will continue through labor and delivery. Maternal health conditions such as diabetes, autoimmune disorders, HIV/AIDS, or high blood pressure may be reasons for a high-risk designation., Multiple pregnancies (having twins or triplets) is also considered as high-risk factor.
Advanced Maternal Age
When a woman becomes pregnant at an older age, typically over 35, it can introduce a range of risk factors. Advanced maternal age is associated with a greater likelihood of complications such as gestational diabetes and maternal morbidity. The older a woman is during pregnancy, the higher the risk of chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus, such as Down syndrome, which can lead to complex medical situations.
Multiple Gestations
Pregnancies with twins, triplets, or more, known as multiple gestations or multiples, are inherently higher risk. The increased demands on the mother’s body can result in complications such as premature birth. Premature birth is a significant risk factor in birth injury cases, including those involving cerebral palsy. The challenges of carrying and delivering multiples require vigilant monitoring and care to mitigate potential complications.
Medical Conditions
Preexisting medical conditions in the mother, such as diabetes or hypertension, can significantly raise the risk of complications during pregnancy. These conditions may require ongoing management and close medical supervision to prevent adverse outcomes. In some instances, medical negligence can occur if healthcare providers fail to appropriately manage these conditions. The recourse is to file a medical malpractice lawsuit and hold them accountable.
Previous Pregnancy Complications
Women who have experienced complications in previous pregnancies, such as premature birth, stillbirth, or severe maternal morbidity, face a higher risk of encountering similar issues in subsequent pregnancies. Careful monitoring and medical intervention may be necessary to minimize these risks and avoid potential birth injury cases.
Genetic Factors
Certain genetic factors and family histories can contribute to a riskier pregnancy. Genetic disorders in the fetus may necessitate specialized care and testing during pregnancy. The potential for birth injury lawsuits arises when there are allegations of medical negligence in diagnosing or managing these conditions.
Infections
Infections contracted during pregnancy, such as urinary tract infections or sexually transmitted infections, can pose risks to both the mother and the developing fetus. In severe cases, infections can lead to premature birth, which is a significant factor in birth injury cases. Prompt treatment and monitoring are essential to prevent adverse outcomes and potential legal claims.
Obesity
Maternal obesity prior to pregnancy is a risk factor for complications, including gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and maternal morbidity. Potential complications require careful monitoring and intervention to ensure the well-being of the mother and the baby. Medical negligence can occur if healthcare providers do not adequately address the challenges associated with maternal obesity.
Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)
Fertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), can result in multiple gestations, increasing the complexity and risk of the pregnancy. The management of these pregnancies must be closely coordinated to minimize the likelihood of premature birth and associated birth injury cases.
Placenta Problems
Conditions like placenta previa (where the placenta covers the cervix) or placental abruption (where the placenta separates from the uterine wall) can lead to severe complications, including premature birth. These situations often require immediate medical intervention to prevent adverse outcomes and potential birth injury lawsuits.
Environmental Factors
Exposure to environmental toxins or radiation during pregnancy can elevate the risk of complications and birth injury cases. Healthcare providers must consider environmental factors when managing high-risk pregnancies and take appropriate measures to reduce potential harm to the fetus.
Injury to the Mother
Doctors label a pregnancy high risk because they believe the mother or the baby is at an increased risk for poor health outcomes. Those risks can include fetal distress, uterine rupture, placental abruption, bleeding, and other health emergencies.
Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is a serious condition that can present as high blood pressure, swelling, and damage to organs such as the liver and kidneys. Preeclampsia may also lead to seizures (eclampsia) and other complications if left untreated.
Gestational Diabetes
This condition can cause elevated blood sugar levels during pregnancy, potentially leading to complications such as preterm birth, cesarean section (C-section), and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes later in life.
Severe Maternal Morbidity
This term encompasses a range of serious maternal health complications that can occur during or after childbirth. Excessive bleeding (postpartum hemorrhage), blood clots, infection, organ damage, and cardiac issues, which can lead to a birth injury case if not carefully monitored or acted upon.
Preterm Birth
Delivering a baby before 37 weeks of gestation can result in various injuries and health problems for the mother, including a higher risk of infection, postpartum hemorrhage, and emotional distress.
Cesarean Section (C-Section) Complications
Surgical delivery through a C-section can lead to surgical site infections, blood clots, and longer recovery times, increasing the risk of maternal injuries.
Placental Complications
Conditions like placenta previa (placenta covering the cervix) or placental abruption (placenta detaching from the uterine wall) can result in severe bleeding, which poses a significant risk to the mother’s health.
Hemorrhage
Excessive bleeding during childbirth, known as postpartum hemorrhage, can occur due to a variety of factors and may lead to maternal injuries, including anemia and organ damage.
Psychological Distress
The emotional and psychological stress of a high-risk pregnancy can result in mental health issues, including anxiety and depression, which may persist postpartum.
Cardiovascular Complications
Some high-risk pregnancies can exacerbate underlying cardiovascular conditions, potentially leading to heart problems, heart attacks, or strokes in the mother.
Renal (Kidney) Issues
Preexisting kidney conditions or complications during pregnancy can affect kidney function and may require medical intervention.
Thromboembolic Events
High-risk pregnancies can increase the risk of blood clots (thromboembolism), which can lead to serious complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE).
All of these conditions need to be closely monitored by a medical professional. Anything below the proper duty of care is unacceptable and negligent. The medical professional’s must be held accountable. Call me today, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®
Injury to the Baby
Preterm Birth: Babies born before 37 weeks of gestation are at risk of numerous health problems, including respiratory distress syndrome, infections, and developmental issues.
Low Birth Weight: Premature infants or those affected by growth restrictions in the womb, may be born with low birth weight, which can lead to a range of health concerns. These include difficulty regulating body temperature, feeding difficulties, and a higher risk of infections.
Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS): Premature babies may have underdeveloped lungs, making it challenging for them to breathe properly. RDS is a common complication in preterm infants.
Infections: Babies born prematurely or with low birth weight may have a weakened immune system, making them more susceptible to infections.
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Admission: High-risk pregnancies often result in babies requiring NICU care due to complications such as prematurity, breathing problems, or infections.
Birth Injuries: In some cases, complications during delivery can lead to birth injuries such as brachial plexus injuries, fractured bones, or intracranial hemorrhages.
Neurological Conditions: Babies born from high-risk pregnancies may be at an increased risk of neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy or developmental delays.
Low Apgar Scores: Apgar scores assess a newborn’s health at birth based on factors such as heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, reflexes, and color. Low Apgar scores may indicate immediate health concerns.
Congenital Anomalies: Genetic or developmental factors associated with high-risk pregnancies can lead to congenital anomalies or birth defects in the baby.
Hypoglycemia: Babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes or other metabolic disorders may experience low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) after birth.
Jaundice: Jaundice is the yellowing of the skin and eyes due to elevated bilirubin levels. Premature infants, or those with certain medical conditions are at a higher risk of developing jaundice.
Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR): IUGR occurs when a baby does not grow at a normal rate in the womb. This condition can result in a baby being born smaller than expected and may lead to health issues.
Respiratory and Feeding Problems: Babies born prematurely or with certain medical conditions may experience difficulties with breathing or feeding, requiring medical intervention and specialized care.
When there are issues after birth, it is so incredibly important for doctors to remain vigilant in the care of the child. It is heartbreaking when medical malpractice cases arise because of the negligent care of newborns after birth. If this has happened to you, you need to call me!
Cleveland Birth Injuries
For a high-risk pregnancy, birth injury becomes more likely if proper care is not taken to ensure the well-being of the mother and baby. Fetal monitoring is incredibly important, but when delayed or performed improperly, doctors can miss signs of fetal distress. Similarly, if a delivery becomes delayed, or medication or anesthesia is delayed during a high risk pregnancy, the health of the mother can be in serious jeopardy.
If you or a loved one had a high-risk pregnancy and also suffered a birth injury, you have every right to seek justice. Any medical care provider you trusted with your well-being must be aware of potential complications that can result in a birth injury, and work tirelessly to prevent those injuries from happening.
Birth injuries that follow high risk pregnancies can often require long-term medical care or specialized medical care. The monetary award you receive from a birth injury claim will help your family afford the medical care that is so desperately needed.
Don’t let a hospital administrator tell you not to seek legal help. I’ll focus on your legal needs so that you can focus on your family’s well-being. If you didn’t receive proper medical care and resulted in a birth injury, call me today and I’ll Make Them Pay!®
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