Your pregnancy should be a time of joy and excitement as you look forward to the addition of a new little life to your family. One of the most important things you can do during this time is to receive regular medical care provided by a qualified Oregon doctor or other type of care provider. Regular screening and monitoring of the health of both you and your baby could be essential to a smooth delivery and the prevention of serious birth injuries.
When you go to the doctor, you likely assume that the care you are receiving meets a certain standard. You trust that your doctor is providing you with quality prenatal support, which includes running certain tests to ensure that you and your child are healthy. Failure to carefully monitor mother and baby during pregnancy could result in a missed diagnosis that could harm the life of both of you.
What types of tests are necessary?
While there are certain tests you will need if you have symptoms of certain health problems, there are basic screening tests doctors should run to ensure the health of mother and baby. The results of these basic tests will allow the doctor insight into whether you need additional support or medical intervention. Some of the basic screening tests run during pregnancy include:
- Genetic testing
- Maternal serum and blood tests
- Ultrasound screening in every trimester or as needed
- Amniocentesis
- Glucose testing
- Group B strep culture
- Fetal monitoring
- Chronic villus sampling
These are some of the basic tests doctors often run to monitor health and prevent complications. Skipping just one test could mean that your doctor misses important signs of a potential problem that could affect you or your baby later in the pregnancy or during delivery. Vigilance and screening are some of the most basic ways to keep mothers and babies safe at every step of pregnancy and birth.
What if your doctor missed something?
If you believe that your doctor missed a sign that you or your baby could be experiencing health problems, you have the right to take action. Lack of care during pregnancy could result in birth injuries and other problems, and it could leave you or your baby with long-term issues. Victims of medical malpractice or negligence may have grounds to seek compensation for their losses and damages through a civil claim. You will benefit from learning about your legal options as soon as possible after a birth injury or other pregnancy complication.