While most women in Oregon and elsewhere have unremarkable pregnancies — meaning they make it through without any significant issues — some experience complications. One of the most common pregnancy-related complications is preeclampsia. If a doctor fails to diagnose and treat this disorder, the outcome can be devastating.
What is preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia is identified as a hypertensive disorder. High blood pressure is the most common sign of the condition. However, everyone is different, and there are many other symptoms that one might experience that also may suggest the development of preeclampsia.
The dangers of preeclampsia
Prolonged high blood pressure can cause a number of issues in the body. Organs can start to fail. The mother may suffer from seizures or have a stroke. In worst-case scenarios, it can lead to the death of the baby and the mother.
Who is at risk?
Any pregnant woman can develop preeclampsia, but there are a few risk factors that make some women more susceptible to it than others. Age, certain existing health conditions and obesity are some of the most common risk factors. A few others include:
- Family history of the disorder
- First pregnancy
- Carrying multiple fetuses
For many women, the signs that they are suffering from preeclampsia are usually pretty clear. Yet, there are medical providers out there who may write off the symptoms as a normal part of pregnancy. Doctors who fail to diagnose and treat preeclampsia may be held accountable if the mother or baby suffers injury or worse because of it. Anyone who believes they or a loved one is the victim of a medical provider’s failure to diagnose this serious pregnancy-related complication can turn to legal counsel who may be able to help them seek compensation for their losses by filing legal claims in an Oregon civil court.