Placental abruption is a severe condition that occurs after 20 weeks gestation. The baby and mother are both in danger when this happens because the placenta separates from the uterus before birth. The separation can be partial or complete.
Certain factors have been identified as potential risks of this condition. These include prior instances of the condition, abdominal trauma, substance misuse, high blood pressure and rapid loss of amniotic fluid.
Signs and symptoms
Individuals experiencing placental abruption may notice a range of symptoms, the most common being vaginal bleeding. Other symptoms include abdominal pain, uterine contractions and back pain. Making a prompt diagnosis is critical. Left unchecked, this condition can lead to significant blood loss for the mother. The baby is left without nutrients or oxygen. Because of this, an urgent delivery is usually required. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen.
Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
It’s possible that the mother and baby can die when placental abruption is left untreated. Delayed treatment could mean that the baby suffers from a lack of oxygen, which can damage the brain. In those cases, the parents may opt to pursue a legal claim. The focus in legal cases involving placental abruption often centers on whether the healthcare provider acted in accordance with the accepted standard of care. Documentation of patient care, timely diagnosis and treatment decisions can be crucial in these cases.
Medical malpractice claims are often complex and may require an expert witness who can attest to the standard of care and whether it was followed under the circumstances in question. Families affected by an unfavorable outcome in a placental abruption case can, therefore, benefit from seeking legal guidance accordingly.