There is a reason that all Oregon women who are pregnant are advised to attend prenatal medical visits throughout their pregnancies. Any number of issues may arise that place a mother or infant at risk for significant injuries during childbirth. An obstetrician can diagnose conditions ahead of time, such as maternal hypoglycemia, which, if left untreated, can have serious adverse health effects for both mother and child.
Hypoglycemia refers to low blood sugar. A person suffering from this condition might experience confusion, tingling sensations in the lips, and feel shaky or faint. If blood sugar plummets too low, seizures, unconsciousness or death may occur.
Early diagnosis of hypoglycemia is the key to a safe pregnancy
When an obstetrician diagnoses a pregnant woman with hypoglycemia, immediate steps can be taken to implement a treatment plan. These plans typically include diligent monitoring of a pregnant woman’s diet. To control blood sugar levels, it is important for someone with hypoglycemia to eat every three or four hours.
Newborn infants of hypoglycemic mothers may have problems at birth
When an Oregon woman suffers from hypoglycemia during pregnancy, her medical team will conduct tests on her newborn infant immediately after birth to check the baby’s blood sugar levels. This is because newborn infants of hypoglycemic mothers can suffer low blood sugar at birth. As with adults, this is a potentially life-threatening condition for a newborn. If a mother or child suffers injuries due to a failure to diagnose, a medical malpractice claim for monetary damages may be an appropriate option.