Preeclampsia: Protecting The Health Of Mothers And Newborns

Pregnancy is a time of immense change and joy, but it can also present unexpected health challenges. Preeclampsia, a serious condition affecting expectant mothers, requires careful monitoring and management to prevent devastating consequences.

At Meagher & Meagher, P.C., our lawyers have been fighting for the rights of families in White Plains and across New York since 1993. Our birth injury attorneys understand the complexities of preeclampsia and the devastating impact it can have on mothers and their babies. We provide skilled and compassionate legal representation to those who have suffered due to medical negligence related to this condition.

Understanding Preeclampsia And Its Effects

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine. It typically develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy and can affect various organs, including the kidneys, liver and brain. If left untreated, preeclampsia can lead to serious health problems for both mother and child, including:

• Seizures (eclampsia)
• Stroke
• Organ damage
• Premature birth
• Fetal growth restriction
• Stillbirth

Recognizing the symptoms of preeclampsia is crucial for early intervention and preventing severe complications.

How Preeclampsia Can Lead To Legal Cases

Medical malpractice occurs when a health care provider’s negligence falls below the accepted standard of care and causes harm to a patient. In the context of preeclampsia, medical negligence can involve:

• Failure to diagnose preeclampsia: Despite regular prenatal checkups, a health care provider may fail to detect signs and symptoms of preeclampsia, leading to delayed treatment and serious complications.
• Failure to properly manage preeclampsia: Even when diagnosed, health care providers may fail to adequately monitor or treat preeclampsia, resulting in a worsening of the condition and potential harm to the mother and baby.
• Failure to timely deliver the baby: In some cases, prompt delivery is necessary to prevent life-threatening complications from preeclampsia. A delay in delivery can have devastating consequences.

If you or your child suffered harm due to medical negligence related to preeclampsia, you may have grounds for a legal claim. Our experienced birth injury attorneys can help you understand your rights and pursue justice.

Common Concerns About Preeclampsia

We understand that a diagnosis of preeclampsia can be overwhelming. Here are answers to some questions we often hear from our clients:

How can preeclampsia be detected?

Regular prenatal checkups are essential for monitoring blood pressure and checking for protein in the urine, both key indicators of preeclampsia.

How does preeclampsia affect future pregnancies, and what precautions should be taken?

Having preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy increases the risk of recurrence. Women with a history of preeclampsia should discuss this with their health care provider and take necessary precautions in subsequent pregnancies.

Can lifestyle changes reduce the risk of developing preeclampsia during pregnancy?

While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent preeclampsia, a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk. This includes maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise and a balanced diet.

What is the cut-off for severe preeclampsia?

Severe preeclampsia is a life-threatening complication of pregnancy. It begins after 20 weeks and can quickly affect both the mother and baby if not managed properly.

While past guidelines focused on higher numbers, new standards now define preeclampsia as starting at a blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg or higher, paired with signs of organ damage or protein in the urine.

Severe preeclampsia may include:

• Blood pressure consistently over 160/110 mmHg
• Significant proteinuria (excess protein in the urine)
• Symptoms such as severe headaches, vision problems or upper abdominal pain
• Organ dysfunction, especially involving the liver, kidneys or brain
• Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia)

If these symptoms are present, medical providers must act fast to prevent harm. When delays or misdiagnosis occur, families may consider filing a preeclampsia medical malpractice lawsuit to seek justice and maximum compensation.

Because these cases involve complex medical evidence and expert testimony, it is crucial to work with an experienced attorney who handles cases involving preeclampsia. We can help gather medical records, consult specialists and build a strong case to prove negligence.

What is the most serious form of preeclampsia called?

The most serious and advanced forms of preeclampsia are:

• Eclampsia
• HELLP syndrome

Eclampsia is a rare but life-threatening complication that includes seizures not caused by other neurological conditions. It can lead to permanent brain damage, coma or death if not treated immediately.

On the other hand, HELLP syndrome is even more complex. It stands for:

• Hemolysis (breakdown of red blood cells)
• Elevated liver enzymes (a sign of liver damage)
• Low Platelet count (affecting blood clotting)

HELLP can develop with or without noticeable high blood pressure and often progresses rapidly. It is one of the leading causes of maternal and fetal death when not diagnosed in time.

Doctors are expected to recognize these red flags and respond urgently. If they fail to do so, patients or loved ones may have grounds for a preeclampsia medical malpractice lawsuit to pursue maximum compensation for injuries and losses.

If you or a loved one suffered due to mismanaged preeclampsia, consult with a medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible. Strong legal support increases the chances of holding healthcare providers accountable and recovering the compensation you and your family deserve.

Protect Your Rights With Experienced Legal Counsel

If you believe you have a preeclampsia-related medical malpractice case, we encourage you to contact us promptly. At Meagher & Meagher, P.C., our team is dedicated to helping families obtain justice and compensation for their losses. Call us at 914-246-2958 or contact us online to schedule an appointment. We are located in White Plains and represent clients throughout New York.