When you are expecting a child, it is supposed to be a wonderful time filled with joy. Even with the morning sickness and strange food cravings, you know that the nine months will be worth it as soon as your baby is born. Unfortunately, there are some pregnancy complications that are harder than others.

Many people have never heard of pre-eclampsia, but it is a condition you certainly need to know about if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant. It is a serious medical condition that, left untreated, can cause serious harm or death to both the mother and her unborn child.

It is important that doctors recognize and diagnose a patient as soon as possible if they are experiencing pre-eclampsia. This is a treatable problem.

But what if it is not treated?

When you need a Philadelphia pre-eclampsia malpractice attorney, turn to The Weitz Firm, LLC for help. We want to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.

A Scary Situation

Pre-eclampsia is commonly found around the 20th week of pregnancy, which means that doctors and nurses should be more aware of and ready to handle the following symptoms: severe headaches, changes in vision, nausea and vomiting, fluid in the lungs, liver or kidney impairment, upper abdominal pain, excess protein in the urine, and other symptoms.

It should also be noted that, though pre-eclampsia is more likely to show up in first pregnancies, for women who have had it before it is seven times as likely to develop the condition in a subsequent pregnancy.

Why is it dangerous?

Pre-eclampsia can lead to the following long-term complications:

  • Damage to the placenta
  • Damage to the mother’s kidneys, liver, or brain
  • Low baby birth weight
  • Pre-term birth
  • Seizures (eclampsia)

If a doctor or nurse failed to properly diagnose this condition and treat it appropriately, they may be negligent in their duties. These kinds of errors are not uncommon. In fact, diagnostic errors accounted for the largest fraction of medical malpractice claims.

Doctors need to obtain a proper patient medical history as well as their family medical history so they can be ready. They should be aware that there are many preexisting conditions that put patients at higher risk of pre-eclampsia. This includes those who have a family history of the condition as well as those who have a history of high blood pressure, are obese, and those of African American ethnicity.

What Happens Now?

Do not wait to seek legal assistance if you believe a doctor’s negligence has caused you or a loved one harm. Pre-eclampsia is a dangerous condition for both a mother and child, but it is treatable if detected early. The condition is common, and doctors should be on the lookout for its signs and symptoms.

If a doctor fails to diagnose pre-eclampsia due to their own negligence or carelessness, they are putting lives in danger. If you need a medical malpractice attorney in Philadelphia, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling 267-587-6240.

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