Improper Monitoring of High-Risk Pregnancies: A Cause of Birth Injuries

A pregnancy goes smoothly most of the time. Many women give birth on or before their due date, welcoming a healthy baby into the world. But that’s not always the case.

Some pregnancies come with more challenges. These are known as “high-risk pregnancies.” These pregnancies need extra care and attention because they can affect both the mother’s and the baby’s health.

If you’ve experienced a high-risk pregnancy in Ohio and your baby suffered a birth injury, you may feel overwhelmed, confused, and searching for answers. You also have the right to seek financial compensation for what your baby has endured.

Reaching out to an Ohio birth injury lawyer from ABC Law Centers could be a way to get help for your family. The law firm has been around since 1997, fighting for the rights of those who’ve been affected by negligent medical professionals. The fact that they only deal with birth injuries makes ABC Law Centers the ideal choice to deal with cases related to birth defects caused by medical personnel.

What Is a High-Risk Pregnancy?

A high-risk pregnancy simply means there are complications that put either you or your baby’s health at risk. This kind of pregnancy needs to be carefully monitored by healthcare professionals to make sure both you and your baby stay safe.

Your doctors should pay extra attention to your health and any signs that things might not be going as expected. If this doesn’t happen, it can lead to serious problems, including birth injuries.

What Are the Risk Factors?

Several factors could make a pregnancy high-risk. Some of the most common include:

* Age: If you’re over 35, there’s a higher chance of complications.
* High blood pressure: This can cause problems for both you and the baby.
* Diabetes: Having diabetes before or during pregnancy can complicate things.
* Depression: Mental health matters too. If you’re dealing with depression, it can impact your pregnancy.
* Obesity: Being overweight can increase the risk of certain issues.
* Autoimmune diseases: Conditions like lupus can make your pregnancy more complicated.

Health Problems That Can Occur During Pregnancy

Even if you’re healthy when you first get pregnant, some issues can develop during your pregnancy. These conditions make the pregnancy riskier and need to be handled carefully by your doctor. Here are a few to watch for.

* Preeclampsia: This is a serious condition where you have high blood pressure and too much protein in your urine. It can be dangerous or even life-threatening if it’s not treated properly. If you have a history of high blood pressure or are overweight, your chances of developing preeclampsia are higher.
* Gestational Diabetes: This is a form of diabetes that shows up during pregnancy. If you have it, you’re at a higher risk of getting type 2 diabetes later on. Doctors may recommend a cesarean section (C-section) to avoid birth injuries when delivering your baby.
* Depression: Around 14% to 23% of women experience depression during pregnancy. This is often related to hormonal changes, stress, and exhaustion. But depression can also cause complications during and after pregnancy.

What Happens When There’s Improper Monitoring?

The reality is that some high-risk pregnancies aren’t monitored as closely as they should be. When doctors and healthcare providers fail to take the right precautions, the results can be devastating. Improper monitoring can lead to birth injuries that could have been avoided with the right care. These injuries can affect your child’s development and health for the rest of their life.

Signs of a High-Risk Pregnancy

If you’re in the middle of a high-risk pregnancy, you’ll want to be aware of the symptoms that could signal something is wrong. Some warning signs include:

* Losing consciousness
* Uterine cramping
* Leaking amniotic fluid
* Pain in your abdomen or pelvis
* Difficulty passing stool

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to seek medical help right away. Quick action can make all the difference.

Proper Monitoring Is Key

Even if your pregnancy isn’t considered high-risk, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a healthy baby. With the right monitoring and care, you can greatly reduce the chances of complications.

Listening to your doctor’s advice, paying attention to any warning signs, and staying on top of your health can go a long way in ensuring a safe delivery.

But if the worst happens and your baby sustains a birth injury, don’t hesitate to seek legal help. You have options. You deserve support during such a difficult time.