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Tough Advocacy When South Carolina Health Care Providers Neglect to Properly Monitor Mother and Child after Birth
Fighting for families injured by obstetrical malpractice in Anderson, Rock Hill, Columbia, Sumter, and Georgetown
During the delivery, mother and child need to be constantly checked for medical emergencies. One mistake can kill either person or leave them needing a lifetime of care. Before mother and child can leave the hospital, the doctors and nurses still need to monitor them to make sure there are no lingering health issues. Both mom and baby need time to recover. Doctors and hospitals should not be in a rush to open beds for new patients at the expense of the health of the baby and his or her mom.
The South Carolina OB neglect lawyers at McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC, have been helping residents of Anderson, Rock Hill, Columbia, Sumter, and Georgetown hold medical care providers accountable for more than 20 years. We have nearly 20 lawyers who are ready to help families prove medical neglect and demand full compensation, including the cost of current and future medical care, emotional suffering, and physical pain. The mother can also demand damages for loss of income because she cannot work.
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Fetal monitoring strips
Fetal monitoring is necessary to prevent birth injuries. There are two kinds of fetal monitoring techniques. External fetal monitoring is achieved by strapping a belt around the mother's abdomen. Internal monitoring is performed by attaching electrodes to the infant's scalp when the mother's cervix is dilated to two to three centimeters. Internal monitors are considered more accurate than external monitors. The data in both cases, internal and external, is transferred to a machine that doctors and nurses read.
The fetal monitoring strip shows the mother's contractions and the baby's heart rate. The strip shows any abnormalities. When there is a contraction, the baby's heart rate should drop slightly and then bounce back to normal when the contraction is done. Abnormalities can indicate that the baby is in fetal distress. For example, the abnormal readings may indicate that the baby is not getting enough oxygen. Abnormal readings can also indicate problems with the umbilical cord, uterine rupture, placenta abruption, excessive amniotic fluid, and other complications.
When abnormal variations occur, the nurses should try adjusting the oxygen supply, moving the mother's position, adding intravenous fluids, and using proper medications. If nursing steps don't work, an emergency C-section is usually needed. Doctors and nurses who fail to properly read the monitor or fail to react to variations properly can be held liable for medical malpractice. Our South Carolina medical malpractice lawyers can help you determine if you have a viable case.
Postpartum delivery negligence
If the doctors and healthcare providers fail to provide the necessary postpartum care, serious harm or even death can happen to either the mother or child, or both. Common postpartum care includes:
- Monitoring the mother for exhaustion, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and heart rate
- Monitoring any vaginal tearing that may have occurred and any C-section operating wounds
- Monitoring the uterus to check that it is functioning properly
- Checking for bleeding
- Monitoring the baby for jaundice, breathing problems, or other health issues
Without proper monitoring by doctors and nurses, many complications can arise. Some of the known complications in postpartum cases are infections, hemorrhaging, uterine rupture, eclampsia, and newborn injuries. Our South Carolina pregnancy neglect attorneys are ready to help those that suffer injuries get justice.
Talk to a professional South Carolina OB malpractice attorney for help now
Doctors, hospitals, and nurses should plan for the delivery and for the postpartum phase of a newborn's life. They should be ready for routine problems and for emergencies. At McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC, our South Carolina pregnancy malpractice lawyers are experienced at fighting for mothers, children, and families who were hurt by medical negligence. For answers to your questions and trusted legal counsel, call 803-327-7800 or complete our contact form to schedule a free initial appointment. Our attorneys see clients in Rock Hill, Anderson, Sumter, Georgetown, and Columbia.