No matter how healthy an expectant mother may be, there are always risks of birth complications. However, with proper medical precautions, the chance of permanent damage and injury is lowered for both mothers and their babies.
It’s these precautions that ensure many births in the United States occur with little or no issue. Still, preeclampsia remains a major complication for too many women and their children in the U.S., leading many to ask, can preeclampsia be prevented?
What is Preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia is a complication that can arise during pregnancy, most commonly defined by high blood pressure and damage to organs. While it can impact several organs, the liver and kidneys are most often at risk. Preeclampsia can develop during many stages of pregnancy, yet its onset is generally seen after week 20 in mothers whose blood pressure has remained normal prior.
Because preeclampsia can be fatal when untreated or cause a host of long-term complications, it’s essential that medical professionals spot and address it early on. However, that’s not always the case, giving rise to a growing number of preeclampsia malpractice cases in the United States.
What Are the Symptoms of Preeclampsia?
Along with high blood pressure, preeclampsia has a range of other symptoms, some more common in women with certain pre-existing conditions. They most commonly include:
- Severe, painful headaches
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Upper abdominal pain
- Shortness of breath
- Excess protein in urine or other kidney problems; lower urine output
- Visions changes, including blurred or loss of visions or sensitivity to light
- Decreased blood platelets
- Brain, kidney, and/or liver complications
There are, unfortunately, factors that increase the chances of developing preeclampsia, including:
- A history of high blood pressure before pregnancy
- Diabetes or kidney disease
- Autominue disorders
- Age (a teen or older than 35)
- Obesity prior to pregnancy
- Carrying multiple babies
Can Preeclampsia be Prevented?
Like other complications during pregnancy, there are steps expectant mothers can take to reduce the chances of developing preeclampsia. However, there is currently no way to completely prevent preeclampsia, though researchers are working to determine if there is a possible prevention.
Even with precautions, expectant mothers can develop preeclampsia, leading to long-lasting complications and conditions in both their and their child’s bodies. Medical professionals are trained to detect preeclampsia and immediately treat it. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.
If you or a woman you love suffered preeclampsia that resulted in death or severe injury to the mother or child, there may be grounds for a malpractice lawsuit.
If properly diagnosed and treated, preeclampsia should never result in death or permanent injury. A qualified medical malpractice attorney will gather facts about your case and help determine whether your preeclampsia complications were the fault of your medical provider.
Trust Hurley McKenna & Mertz to Represent You in Your Preeclampsia Malpractice Case
Because preeclampsia cannot be completely prevented, it’s up to your care provider to detect and address the complication as soon as possible. If you or your child continue to suffer because of preeclampsia, you have every right to pursue legal action.
The team at Hurley McKenna & Mertz knows this can be a difficult subject to confront. That’s why we assure you and each client that we will treat you and your case with the compassion and professionalism you deserve. Contact us for a free consultation to take the first step towards receiving the justice and compensation you deserve.
