The Dangers Of A Missed Preeclampsia Diagnosis
Preeclampsia is a condition that can occur during pregnancy. It is a very serious condition, and if left diagnosed, can put both you and your baby at risk. If a doctor failed to diagnose preeclampsia and either you or your baby is harmed as a result, you might have a medical malpractice claim.
When Does Preeclampsia Occur?
Preeclampsia typically occurs in the second half of the pregnancy. The main symptoms are high blood pressure and a high protein level in urine. Women with preeclampsia may also have swelling in their hands, legs, and feet. If a woman is diagnosed with preeclampsia, the doctor may prescribe bed rest, medications, and blood and urine tests. The doctor may also recommend close monitoring to ensure that the situation does not worsen.
How Can Preeclampsia be Treated?
How the doctor responds to preeclampsia is critical. If preeclampsia is not diagnosed, it can lead to seizures, a coma, or in rare cases, even death. At this point, preeclampsia is then called eclampsia. The doctor can prescribe additional treatments, such as steroid injections to help the baby’s lungs develop or medications to prevent seizures.
The only way to cure preeclampsia and eclampsia is for the doctor to deliver your baby. This is why it is crucial for a doctor to properly diagnose the condition as soon as possible.
Filing a Medical Malpractice Claim for Untreated Preeclampsia
If you believe that a doctor failed to properly diagnose preeclampsia or eclampsia, you may have a medical malpractice claim. In general, there are two types of situations where pregnancy-related injuries could be the result of medical malpractice.
The first type of situation is where a doctor fails to recognize a pregnancy condition or disorder, such as preeclampsia. The second type occurs during prenatal care, such as when a pregnant woman is prescribed a drug that causes an injury to her or her baby.
Medical malpractice is a complicated area of law. An experienced attorney can help you understand your options.