Pregnancy is a happy and joyful time, but it can also be stressful if you are concerned about your health or if something goes wrong. Healthcare providers are responsible for providing appropriate care to the mother and her unborn baby.
When there is negligence on the part of the medical provider, it can lead to devastating injuries to the child and the mother. Here are some of the most common negligence actions that can lead to severe injuries:
Failure to monitor
One of the most important parts of prenatal care is regularly monitoring the health of both the mother and the fetus.
The medical protocol involved in this typically includes ultrasounds, heart rate monitoring, blood tests and other specialized treatment plans depending on the mother, her age and the specific circumstances surrounding the pregnancy.
Inadequate management of medical conditions
If a pregnant woman has a preexisting condition or develops a condition during her pregnancy, her medical providers should manage, monitor and treat those conditions carefully. For example, diabetes or hypertension can have a severe impact on the pregnancy if inadequately dealt with.
Failure to diagnose or delay in diagnosis
Accurate and timely diagnosis of a pregnancy-related condition or a pre-existing problem in the mother that could impact the pregnancy and her health or the health of the fetus is essential. If a doctor does not identify a condition like preeclampsia in time, for example, the mother and baby can suffer harm.
Errors in medication
Administering medication during pregnancy must be approached cautiously. The risks of taking any medication should be carefully evaluated to ensure that it is safe for the mother and baby or that the benefits outweigh the risks.
Lack of guidance
Pregnant women depend mainly on their healthcare team to understand what is and is not appropriate to do during pregnancy. Lifestyle choices, diet and prenatal care are all critical for any pregnant woman, and the treating medical practitioner should ensure to communicate to the pregnant woman how to care for herself and her baby.
Negligence on the part of a medical practitioner during a woman’s pregnancy can lead to serious injuries to the mother or the baby. If you believe that you or a loved one experienced negligence from a practitioner, it is crucial to speak with an attorney who can help guide you through how to be appropriately compensated and find the justice you deserve.