Pitocin Errors and Labor Induction Malpractice
Pitocin is the synthetic version of oxytocin. Oxytocin is the hormone that helps the uterus to contract and begin labor. It was discovered and synthesized in 1955. Pitocin is administered through an IV. Your healthcare provider will gradually raise the level of the synthetic hormone that goes into your body until you have regular contractions. It wakes your uterine muscles up, encouraging contractions. The contractions are needed to make the cervix dilate, to make way for the baby.
Some risks come with using Pitocin to induce labor. If not administered correctly, Pitocin can be dangerous instead of being helpful. Pitocin errors can result in the following:
Since Pitocin triggers contraction, over-stimulation can actually be harmful. Too many contractions in a short time can harm the baby. When the uterine wall contracts, the flow of blood to the placenta is decreased. The oxygen that the baby needs come in the flow of maternal blood to the placenta. This is the reason why too many contractions are not good for the baby.
When the contractions are too intense, it can tear the uterine wall of the mother. This is extremely rare, and with women who’s had a C-section before, the risk of rupture increases with Pitocin induction.
Postpartum hemorrhage is the excessive bleeding following childbirth. Excessive blood loss can cause a severe drop in the mother’s blood pressure and can lead to shock or even death.
The risks that a mother faces due to Pitocin errors can have adverse effects on the baby too. An overdose of Pitocin may not adversely affect the mother, but it can certainly harm the unborn baby. The negative side effects of Pitocin errors to the baby may include the following:
The use of Pitocin for labor induction should be done with extreme care and caution. The severe side effects due to incorrect Pitocin administration can have lasting and devastating consequences to both mother and child. Pitocin must only be used when extremely necessary and with careful monitoring. Careless use of Pitocin can have severe health effects, and can sometimes even cause death. It must only be used when it is medically necessary, and for the safety of both the mother and the baby.
Pitocin should be initiated at a low dosage. Once administered, the mother and the baby must both be monitored closely. Intrauterine pressure must be monitored to determine the contractions of the uterus, and to make sure that Pitocin overdose is avoided. Improper use of labor-inducing drugs can have severe results, so the medical team must be experienced and must follow standards in Pitocin administration.
Pitocin errors have caused injuries on countless babies, and have sometimes even brought them death. Many mothers have also suffered due to incorrect administration of Pitocin for induction of labor. If you or a family member has suffered due to the misuse of Pitocin and the carelessness of your health care provider, you have the right to seek compensation. You can get compensated for the following:
The Clark Law Office is here to help you get the compensation that you deserve. We have helped hundreds of families get just compensation for medical errors and malpractices. The coming of a new child should be a moment of joy, but can take disastrous turns because of the errors of health care providers. Let our Pitocin errors lawyers help you develop and pursue a medical malpractice case. Contact us today at +1 (517) 347-6900 or e-mail info@theclarklawoffice.com for inquiries.