Preeclampsia is one of the most mysterious and dangerous medical conditions a pregnant woman can experience.
Preeclampsia is a condition in pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure, sometimes with fluid retention and proteinuria, by the strictest definition. Preeclampsia is also sometimes called pregnancy-induced hypertension, which is somewhat of a misnomer, as preeclampsia includes far more than run-of-the-mill high blood pressure. Another alternative name is preeclamptic toxemia. However, high blood pressure is merely a symptom of preeclampsia; preeclampsia can cause serious injury to women and children.
There are many ways it can be caught by medical professionals–urine tests throughout pregnancy, closely monitoring blood pressure, and communicating with pregnant women about headaches, swelling, and unusual symptoms. But sometimes, it just isn’t caught in time.
If this sounds like you, we know this is a difficult time. If you suffered an injury caused by preeclampsia, or your child suffered an injury caused by your preeclampsia, then we want you to know we’re here for you.
There are a few telltale signs that you have a medical malpractice case for preeclampsia. We know this can be a highly emotional topic, relating to both your health as a mother and the health of your child, and we want to help you make the best decision possible for you and your family. Here are the signs we look for:
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Failure to hospitalize or take all the necessary steps to control the progression of preeclampsia from mild to severe
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Failure to recognize the symptoms of preeclampsia
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Inducing delivery too soon without other measures to prevent the progression of preeclampsia or inducing delivery too late
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Failure to give regular urine protein tests throughout the entirety of the pregnancy
Preeclampsia, if not treated, can result in stroke, seizure, organ failure, and even the death of mother and child, as well as eclampsia and HELLP syndrome. Preeclampsia is also linked to 10-15% of maternal mortality cases worldwide. Regular monitoring for preeclampsia for every pregnancy makes a huge difference in preventing negative outcomes.
If you believe that the injuries you received, or your child received, as a result of your preeclampsia treatment could have been prevented, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We want to help you determine the best course of action for you and your family.