Placental Abruption: It’s Implications and Your Legal Rights

The placenta is an organ that connects the developing baby to the wall of the mother’s uterus. This connection is vital in providing the baby with nutrients, oxygen, helping with waste removal, and many more. Naturally, if this connection is disrupted, then the baby will be put under severe threat. Many complications may arise.

If the placenta is separated before the baby is born, then this is known as placental abruption. Although uncommon, placental abruption is a cause for concern since it places both mother and baby at risk. Health problems can occur for both mother and child.

The Risk Factors of Placental Abruption

Some factors can increase the risk of placental abruption occurring. Some of the factors include the following:

  • Hypertension or constantly having high blood pressure
  • Having problems related to hypertension during pregnancy
  • Having a medical history of placental abruption in previous pregnancies
  • Abdominal injury, falling, or other cases of abdominal trauma
  • Cigarette smoking
  • The use of substances, like cocaine, during pregnancy
  • Uterine infections during pregnancy
  • Age factor, especially old age, may increase chances of placental abruption
  • Premature rupture of uterine membranes

Take note that having any of the risk factors above does not ensure placental abruption. However, having multiple risk factors may further increase the chances of placental abruption occurring.

Signs and Symptoms of Placental Abruption

Placental abruption is a serious case that needs immediate medical attention. Early cases of placental abruption may not always show symptoms, but the later stages often do. Furthermore, the symptoms usually start to appear suddenly. Some of the signs and symptoms that mothers should watch out for are the following:

  • In some expecting mothers, vaginal bleeding may occur. However, this is not always present in all cases of placental abruption.
  • Sudden abdominal pain and back pain
  • An enlarged uterus, most notably in comparison to the age of gestation
  • Continuous uterine contractions
  • Tenderness of the uterine area.
  • Abnormalities in the movement and heart rate of the fetus.

Once the symptoms become apparent, the expecting mother should see a doctor immediately. Placental abruption needs medical care that can only be provided by a professional.

Effects and Complications of Placental Abruption

Placental abruption is a serious condition that may be life-threatening. Furthermore, many complications may arise for both mother and baby. These complications may further spiral into other problems without proper medical care.

Some of the most notable complications for the mother include the following:

  • Severe blood loss, which may lead to shock and other blood loss complications
  • Organ failure depending on the severity of blood loss
  • For the more severe cases of placental abruption, complete removal of the uterus may be necessary

On the other hand, some of the complications and risks involved for the baby are the following:

  • Restricted or stunted growth since the placenta aids in providing nutrients to the baby.
  • Insufficient oxygen may result from the detachment of the placenta. While minor oxygen deficiencies can be dealt with, a severe lack of oxygen can be serious. Some complications may arise, such as cerebral palsy or heart disease
  • Premature birth is also a possibility. The most serious cases of placental abruption may lead to stillbirth.

Reducing Risk Factors

There is no definite way of completely preventing placental abruption from occurring. However, the risk factors may give a clue of how to reduce the chances of placental abruption. Some of the most notable ways include the following:

  • Avoiding risky activities during pregnancy
  • Managing blood pressure properly
  • Quitting smoking, drinking, or the use of other substances
  • Regular trips to the doctor for routine check-ups
  • Being vigilant about anything out of the ordinary.

Malpractice Claims

Placental abruption is something that needs to be dealt with immediately. The risks that it carries are far too significant just to ignore. Proper medical care is needed as a result. If you think your doctor has failed to diagnose your condition and act on it, file a claim. You may have grounds for filing for malpractice.

Do You Have Reason To Believe That You Have The Grounds To File a Malpractice Claim?

Placental abruption requires careful medical care. If you suffered from placental abruption, and the care you received is insufficient, a birth injury attorney can help. If you need to file for a malpractice or birth injury claim in Okemos, MI, The Clark Law Office is your trusted firm. We have the most experienced lawyers in the area and can surely help. Contact us at +1 (517) 347-6900.

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