What are some of the most common complications of pregnancy?
Pregnancy is a particularly vulnerable period in a woman’s life — and in the life of her unborn child. The medical care that a mother receives during her pregnancy can have consequences that affect that child’s entire future.
Unfortunately, doctors sometimes make serious mistakes with prenatal care. They may overlook certain common complications of pregnancy and that can lead to a lifetime of complications for the child and the child’s family.
Every expecting mother should expect her doctor to look for the following:
Preeclampsia
Protein in your urine and high blood pressure are two indicators of this serious condition that can lead to seizures and eventually be fatal. It’s a particular concern toward the later stages of a pregnancy and may require bed rest or an early delivery.
Gestational diabetes
This is a particular concern for mothers who have a family history of diabetes or who gain a lot of weight during their pregnancy. Your doctor should be especially watchful if you’ve already had the condition with an earlier pregnancy.
Placenta previa
This is a condition where the placenta lies low in the uterus where it may rupture or bleed. It’s important to diagnose it early because a cesarean-section is required to prevent a fatality.
Low amniotic fluid
Amniotic fluid is what cushions and protects your baby in the womb. If that fluid gets low, it can cause numerous complications for the infant. Doctors can determine if the fluid levels are normal through an ultrasound. If there are problems, the child may need to be delivered early.
Premature labor
A full-term pregnancy is one of the best things that can happen for a baby’s health, so doctors need to be on the watch for premature labor. Early deliveries can be delayed and sometimes halted with rapid interventions.
If your doctor’s failure to detect these conditions led to a birth injury, you and your child may be the victim of negligence.