Infections during pregnancy can seriously harm both the mother and the baby. When a healthcare provider misses the signs or delays treatment, it may lead to a medical malpractice claim. Understanding the signs of negligence helps you recognize when care may have fallen below acceptable standards.
Symptoms often overlooked by providers
Some infections show early warning signs that providers must monitor. These can include fever, chills, unusual discharge, or high heart rate. A provider should respond quickly to these symptoms, especially in the third trimester. Ignoring them can lead to complications like sepsis, premature birth, or even stillbirth.
Failure to test or treat common infections
Prenatal care should include routine screening for urinary tract infections (UTIs), group B strep, and sexually transmitted infections. If a provider skips these tests or fails to treat an identified infection, that may be negligence. Treatment delays or errors, such as prescribing the wrong medication, can also cause preventable harm.
Poor hospital hygiene or delivery practices
Sometimes infections happen during labor or delivery due to poor hospital conditions. Unsterile instruments, improper handwashing, or delayed C-section decisions can expose the mother to harmful bacteria. If an infection develops after birth and links back to care conditions, it may support a malpractice claim.
What Oregon law says
Oregon law defines medical malpractice as a breach of the accepted standard of care that causes harm. If a provider fails to diagnose or treat an infection that a reasonable provider would have addressed, it may count as a breach. Timely diagnosis and treatment are part of that expected care.
Infections don’t always mean malpractice occurred, but when clear signs are missed or care falls short, the law may apply.