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Why South Carolina Pregnancy Doctors Should Anticipate Placenta Abruption
Strong representation for families harmed by medical negligence in Anderson, Rock Hill, Columbia, Sumter, and Georgetown
Placental abruption is a rare condition that can threaten the life of a mother and her child. It occurs when the placenta, which nourishes the child during pregnancy, separates from the inner wall of the uterus. Placental abruption, if it occurs, usually happens after the 20th week of the pregnancy, often without warning. It requires competent and immediate medical attention.
At McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC, our South Carolina OB negligence lawyers fight for mothers and children who die or suffer injuries during pregnancy. Our legal team helps families file claims against doctors, nurses, and healthcare providers who fail to put the safety of mother and baby first. We represent clients in Anderson, Rock Hill, Columbia, Sumter, and Georgetown
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Placental abruption—symptoms, causes, and complications
Severe abdominal pain and pain in the back is a common symptom of a placenta abruption. Bleeding may occur. Other symptoms include a tender uterus, very fast uterine contractions, and fetal heart rates that are not normal.
The exact cause of placental abruption is not known, but there are many risk factors. The likelihood of a mother suffering a placental abruption increases if:
- She is 40 years of age or older
- She has suffered a placental abruption before
- There are ruptures of the membrane
- She has blood clot disorders
- She is carrying more than one child
- There is a history of drug use or smoking
- She has diabetes
- She has high blood pressure
Doctors must react quickly to placental abruption because the risks to both mother and child are quite severe. Both may die if treatment is not done professionally. The child may be born prematurely or stillborn.
Placenta abruption may cause the child to lose oxygen, a known cause of cerebral palsy, which requires a lifetime of medical care. Children may also suffer growth development issues.
How should doctors treat placental abruption?
The main medical treatments are to do proper testing, monitor mother and child, and act quickly if a placental abruption does occur. Testing for placental abruption includes an ultrasound, blood tests, determining the amount of bleeding, and questioning any pain the mother has. The child's oxygen flow should be observed, normally with the aid of a fetal monitoring system.
Treatment for placental abruption should be immediate. Once placental abruption happens, the placenta cannot be reattached to the uterus. Mothers are normally admitted to the hospital. If the child is suffering from fetal distress, an emergency Caesarian may be needed. At a minimum, the mother and child should be continually monitored to determine if the pregnancy should continue after a C-section or delivery is performed to check for blood shock, a closed cervix, uterine bleeding, and other problems. A hysterectomy may be required. The real danger is to the child who has a strong risk of death or long-term health issues.
Our South Carolina placental abruption lawyers understand the reasonable treatments doctors should use and fight for your rights in cases of medical negligence or malpractice.
Make an appointment with a trusted South Carolina obstetrical malpractice lawyer today
At McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC, our experienced South Carolina medical malpractice attorneys understand how to show that doctors, nurses, and hospitals failed to anticipate or treat placenta abruption. We fight to get insurance carriers and the health providers to pay damages for medical bills and pain and suffering, plus any lost income of the mother. To schedule a free case evaluation, please call our firm at 803-327-7800 or fill out our contact form. We have offices in Anderson, Rock Hill, Columbia, Sumter, and Georgetown.