Did your child suffer a birth injury due to medical negligence related to pregnancy-induced hypertension? If so, you may be entitled to pursue a birth injury claim.
The birth injury attorneys at Eisenberg, Rothweiler, Winkler, Eisenberg, & Jeck, P.C. have extensive experience helping families who’ve been harmed by a medical professional’s failure to provide adequate care for pregnancy-induced hypertension. We have a proven track record of success in handling complex medical malpractice cases. We achieved a $8.9 million victory for an infant who suffered brain damage during the mother’s labor when obstetricians failed to promptly recognize and respond to non-reassuring fetal heart rate tracings. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.
How Can an Experienced Medical Malpractice Attorney Help with Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension Cases?
At Eisenberg, Rothweiler, Winkler, Eisenberg, & Jeck, P.C., our experienced Philadelphia birth injury lawyers can provide valuable support and guidance throughout your birth injury lawsuit. We thoroughly investigate your case, gathering evidence and reviewing medical records to evaluate the care and treatment provided by doctors and other medical professionals before, during, and after delivery.
Our experienced birth injury attorneys consult with medical experts to determine whether your child’s injury resulted from healthcare providers failing to meet the proper standard of care. We understand the challenges and emotions involved in birth injury cases. Our attorneys are committed to fighting for the justice and compensation your family deserves.
What Is Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension?
Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), also known as gestational hypertension, is a common but serious condition that affects one in every 12 to 17 pregnancies among women aged 20 to 44, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The National Center for Biotechnology Information reports that PIH typically manifests after the 20th week of pregnancy and is characterized by sustained periods of elevated blood pressure with readings exceeding 140/90 mm Hg. If it is not managed, PIH can lead to devastating birth injuries.
Causes and Risk Factors for Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension
While the exact cause of PIH is unknown, several factors can increase a woman’s risk of developing the condition, including:
- Pre-existing hypertension or diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Advanced maternal age (over 40) or young maternal age (under 20)
- Multiple births (twins, triplets, etc.)
- Obesity
- Family history of PIH
- Use of specific antidepressants, such as paroxetine (Paxil)
PIH can affect blood flow to various organs, including the placenta, liver, uterus, brain, and kidneys, which can lead to health issues for both the mother and child.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension
Common symptoms of PIH include:
- Increased blood pressure
- Protein in urine (proteinuria)
- Edema (swelling)
- Sudden weight gain
- Visual disturbances, such as blurred or double vision
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Reduced urination
- Abdominal pain, especially on the right side
- Nausea and vomiting
If your doctor suspects PIH, they might perform the following tests to confirm the diagnosis:
- Blood pressure analysis
- Urinalysis
- Assessment of edema
- Frequent weight measurements
- Eye examination to check for retinal changes
- Liver and kidney function tests
- Blood clotting factor tests
Treatment and Prevention of Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension
Treatment for PIH depends on the severity of the condition, the woman’s medical history, and her tolerance to specific medications and procedures. The primary goal of treatment is to prevent the condition from worsening and ensure the mother and baby’s health and safety.
Depending on your situation, your doctor may recommend:
- Bed rest
- Hospitalization to stabilize blood pressure
- Antihypertensive medications
- Fetal monitoring
- Regular blood pressure measurements and blood/urine testing
- Early delivery after 36 weeks if the condition worsens despite treatment
- Corticosteroids to promote fetal lung development
- Low to no salt diet
Regular prenatal care is crucial in preventing complications associated with PIH. Early detection and proper management of the condition can significantly reduce the risk of harm.
Potential Injuries and Complications from Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension
Some of the potential injuries and complications associated with PIH include:
Complications for the Expecting Mother
PIH can lead to health issues for the expecting mother, including:
- Preeclampsia: This is a severe form of PIH characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine. If left untreated, preeclampsia can lead to life-threatening complications such as eclampsia (seizures) and HELLP syndrome.
- HELLP Syndrome: This is a rare but serious complication of PIH that can cause hemolysis (breakdown of red blood cells), elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count.
- Organ Damage: PIH can cause damage to various organs, including the liver, kidneys, and brain, leading to long-term health issues.
- Cardiovascular Disease: Women who experience PIH are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease later in life.
Birth Injuries
PIH can also harm the child in several ways, including:
- Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR): PIH can impair blood flow to the placenta, limiting the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the developing child, resulting in poor fetal growth.
- Premature Birth: Severe cases of PIH may require early delivery to protect the health of the mother and child, increasing the risk of complications associated with prematurity.
- Low Birth Weight: Children born to mothers with PIH are more likely to have a low birth weight, which can lead to various health issues and developmental delays.
- Placental Abruption: PIH increases the risk of placental abruption, in which the placenta separates from the uterine wall before delivery, potentially causing severe bleeding and depriving the child of oxygen.
- Stillbirth: In some cases, PIH can lead to stillbirth, which is a devastating loss for expecting families.
The potential injuries and complications arising from pregnancy-induced hypertension reveal the importance of proper prenatal care and timely intervention by medical professionals.
When Is Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension Medical Malpractice?
When healthcare providers fail to diagnose, monitor, or manage PIH, they may be liable for the resulting harm to the child and mother. In the context of pregnancy-induced hypertension, medical negligence may involve:
- Failure to diagnose or properly monitor PIH
- Inadequate treatment or management of PIH
- Failure to respond to signs of fetal distress
- Delay in performing necessary interventions, such as a cesarean section
An experienced medical malpractice attorney can review your case and explain whether medical malpractice occurred.
Who Is Responsible for My Child’s Injuries?
Depending on the circumstances of your case, various healthcare providers may be liable for your child’s birth injuries, including:
- Obstetricians
- Gynecologists
- Nurses
- Midwives
- Hospital staff
Through a birth injury lawsuit, you might be able to recover damages for:
- Medical expenses
- Future care costs
- Lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
Contact an Experienced Child Birth Injury Attorney for a Free Consultation:
If your child has suffered a birth injury due to medical negligence related to pregnancy-induced hypertension, contact the birth injury attorneys at Eisenberg, Rothweiler, Winkler, Eisenberg, & Jeck, P.C. for a free consultation. We will be there for you for life’s toughest trials. Call us or reach out to us online now.
BUSINESS INFORMATION
Eisenberg, Rothweiler, Winkler, Eisenberg, & Jeck, P.C.
1634 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA, 19103
Phone: (215) 585-2814
Email: info@erlegal.com
