Our Attorneys Hold Negligent Doctors in Missouri Accountable
Placental abruption is a birth complication that involves the placenta detaching from the uterus. The placenta is formed during pregnancy. It is essentially a sack in the uterus that forms around the fetus and provides oxygen and nutrients within the womb. When the placenta is unattached from the uterus, complications can arise.
Birth injuries from placental abruption can be the result of medical negligence. At Cullan & Cullan, our medically-trained lawyers can help you understand why your child was injured during birth and recover compensation for your pain and suffering.
Send us a message or call (816) 253-8606 to speak to our medically licensed birth injury attorneys.
What Are the Symptoms of Placental Abruption?
Initially, the development of placental abruption may not exhibit any symptoms. Throughout pregnancy, it is important to be aware of any changes in health that seem abnormal, however, this issue may not be detectable until the condition has progressed.
Once placental abruption progresses and symptoms begin to show, they often appear quickly. Typically, placental abruption is diagnosed by excluding the possibility of other issues.
Placental abruption is extremely dangerous because it can cause the infant not to receive enough oxygen during birth. For a pregnant woman, placental abruption can result in severe pain and bleeding.
The signs of placental abruption may include:
- Contractions
- Abdominal pain
- Back pain
- Vaginal bleeding
- Decreased heart rate and movement in fetus
What Complications Can Result From Placental Abruption?
Placental abruption can happen very quickly, and if left untreated, can develop into severe complications. For the mother, they can suffer from issues associated with high levels of blood loss.
Without sufficient oxygen, a baby may develop lifelong health issues including:
- Seizures
- Brain injury
- And cerebral palsy
Placental abruption is often treated through the delivery of the baby, although this can result in further complications if the baby is not fully developed.
Placental abruption can cause complications such as:
- Infant death
- Maternal death
- Limited oxygen
- Premature birth
- Low birth weight
- Shock
- Failure of the mother’s kidneys
- Blood clots in the mother
What Causes Placental Abruption?
Certain risk factors make it more likely that placental abruption will occur during birth. If a mother has high blood pressure, is over the age of 40, or used drugs or smoked during pregnancy, there is a higher risk of placental abruption.
Placental abruption is also more likely to happen if it was an issue in a previous pregnancy. Although there are risk factors for placental abruption, one cause is medical negligence during the birth. A doctor who does not provide a patient with the proper care can subject a birthing mother to complications.
Preeclampsia is one example of a risk factor for placental abruption that can develop or worsen as a result of insufficient healthcare during pregnancy. Preeclampsia, an increase in blood pressure, is a relatively common pregnancy issue that must be addressed quickly to avoid the development of further complications.
It is the doctor’s responsibility to monitor the patient's condition and respond to issues.
Contact Our Kansas City Birth Injury Lawyers
The legal team at Cullan & Cullan is a group of attorneys who are also doctors. Families who have been affected by a brain injury can rely on us to provide committed support when they need it most.
We dedicate our practice to giving our clients educated evaluations of their case, with a mission to explain why an injury may have occurred and act on holding those at fault accountable. We’ve recovered millions of dollars in compensation for the victims of birth injuries. These funds help families pay for medical care such as doctor visits, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.
To schedule a free consultation with our legal team, complete our contact form or call (816) 253-8606.