When you think about the most common types of birth injuries, you likely think about ones that impact babies, not their mothers. Though birth injuries to children are more common, there are some that can threaten the safety and well-being of the mother as well. Eclampsia is one of them. If you experience this condition during your pregnancy, you may be able to file a lawsuit against your medical care team with help from a Pennsylvania birth injury attorney. Let’s take a closer look at what this condition is, the common effects it can have on pregnant women, and what legal rights you have if you’re diagnosed with eclampsia.
What Is Eclampsia?
Eclampsia is a condition that causes pregnant women and women who recently gave birth to develop seizures, often unexpectedly. Some of the seizures can be minor, but in more severe cases, they can lead to coma or even death if not treated immediately.
Prior to developing eclampsia, pregnant women will develop a condition known as preeclampsia, which typically develops around week 20 of the pregnancy. Preeclampsia can lead to restricted blood flow, resulting in high blood pressure levels that most doctors should catch through routine examination.
Common Warning Signs of Eclampsia
Eclampsia is serious and presents several early warning signs that most experienced medical care providers should know to watch for in pregnant or recently pregnant women. This includes:
- Abdominal pain
- Blurry vision
- Extreme or severe headaches
- High blood pressure
- Seizures
- High protein levels in urine (proteinuria)
Failure to screen for these symptoms or a failure to accurately diagnose your condition after you exhibit these symptoms may make you eligible to file a medical malpractice claim against your medical care team.
The Effects of Eclampsia on Pregnant Women and New Mothers
Once eclampsia is developed and if it goes untreated, pregnant women and new mothers can develop serious complications including the following:
- Seizures: The seizures can range from mild to severe and require immediate medical attention and treatment.
- High blood pressure: Women may develop high blood pressure that can lead to heart damage and severe complications if left untreated.
- Placental abruption: If eclampsia develops during pregnancy, it can cause the placenta to separate from the uterine wall, increasing the risk of severe bleeding during childbirth.
- HELLP syndrome: Expecting and new mothers may develop elevated liver enzymes and low blood platelet counts, increasing the risk of complications during and after delivery.
- Premature birth: Doctors may choose to deliver your baby via C-section before their due date to protect them from harm due to eclampsia. This puts the child at risk for ongoing health and developmental challenges.
Your Legal Rights
Eclampsia is largely considered a treatable condition, but it must be diagnosed quickly for treatments to be effective and to reduce the risk of harm to both mother and child. If you developed eclampsia and suffered complications due to a lack of appropriate treatment, you may be able to file a birth injury claim with help from your Pennsylvania birth injury attorney.
Your lawsuit can help you hold your medical care team accountable for their actions and may help you recover compensation for the following:
- Pain and suffering
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Necessary home modifications
Your attorney will help you determine which types of damages you may want to pursue based on your case.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you experienced eclampsia during pregnancy and suffered from complications, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the hospital and your medical care team. Schedule a consultation with an experienced Pennsylvania birth injury attorney at Latona Law today to learn more about your options.