Failure to Diagnose and Treat a Placental Insufficiency Due to Medical Malpractice

Most pregnant women are fortunate enough to have healthy pregnancies, but unfortunately this is not the case for every mother to be. Complications can and do arise, and it is essential that physicians and other healthcare providers are able to identify these complications and treat them in a timely manner to prevent harm to the mother or baby. Complications during pregnancy can include preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and issues with the umbilical cord as well as many others. One serious complication that can occur is placental insufficiency, which can lead to a lack of nutrients and oxygen being delivered to the newborn. This is quite dangerous, making it essential for early diagnosis and treatment. When a physician fails to diagnose placental insufficiency and it results in harm to the baby, it is considered to be medical malpractice. 

 

What is the Function of the Placenta and What is Placental Insufficiency?

 

The placenta plays a very important part in the baby receiving the essential oxygen and nutrients he or she needs. The placenta and the umbilical cord work together to bring blood, oxygen, and nutrients to the baby. The placenta also works to remove waste and carbon dioxide from the baby. When the placenta is not functioning properly (placental insufficiency), it does not allow the baby to receive the proper amount of oxygen and nutrients they need.

 

Diagnosis of Placental Insufficiency

 

A diagnosis of placental insufficiency is usually made based on a variety of tests, including the following:

 

• Ultrasound imaging to see the placenta and it’s measurements
• Blood work to test the baby’s alpha-fetoprotein levels (AFP)
• Fetal stress tests do monitor the baby for any signs of distress
• Ultrasound imaging to assess the size of the baby

 

Complications of Placental Insufficiency

 

If placental insufficiency is not diagnosed and managed appropriately and in a timely manner, it can lead to serious complications and can increase risks for the baby, including the following:

 

• Cerebral palsy
• Intrauterine growth restriction or delay
• Learning disabilities
• Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy
• Seizures
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
• Risk for meconium aspiration, causing serious breathing difficulties

Medical Malpractice Related to Placental Insufficiency

 

While there is no cure for placental insufficiency, proper measures can be taken to increase the odds of a successful pregnancy with little complications. If a baby is diagnosed after 35 weeks, a c-section is typically chosen. If a mother is diagnosed earlier in her pregnancy (or at any time during her pregnancy), she should be referred to a high-risk fetal specialist. Bed rest and preeclampsia monitoring are often prescribed. While not all negative outcomes are due to mismanagement of placental insufficiency, if a physician fails to take proper measures and the baby suffers harm, it is considered to be negligence. Negligence related to placental insufficiency include the following:

 

• Failure to conduct proper testing for diagnosis of the condition
• Failure to properly assess a mother who has concerns such as a smaller abdomen than she should have, or less movement from the baby
• Failure to refer the mother to a high-risk fetal specialist 
• Failure to conduct a c-section if it is safe and indicated
• Failure to prescribe appropriate treatment (i.e. bed rest)
• Failure to monitor the mother for other potential complications such as preeclampsia

Failure to Diagnose a Placental Insufficiency Due to Medical Malpractice

 

If you or a loved one have been seriously injured or killed as a result of medical malpractice contact the Oregon Medical Malpractice Lawyers at Kuhlman Law at our number below or fill out the intake form.  We offer a free initial case evaluation and handle cases on a contingency fee which means that you pay no money unless we recover.

 

Our law firm handles cases throughout the state including Bend and Portland Oregon, Redmond, Central Oregon, Sisters, Madras, Multnomah County, Deschutes County, Salem, Eugene, Corvallis, Lane County, Medford, Gresham, La Grande, Albany, Medford, Beaverton, Umatilla, Pendleton,  Cottage Grove, Florence, Oregon City, Springfield, Keizer, Grants Pass, McMinnville, Tualatin, West Linn, Forest Grove, Wilsonville, Newberg, Roseburg, Lake Oswego, Klamath Falls, Happy Valley, Tigard, Ashland, Milwakie, Coos Bay, The Dalles,  St. Helens, Sherwood, Central Point, Canby, Troutdale, Hermiston, Silverton, Hood River, Newport, Prineville, Astoria, Tillamook, Lincoln City, Hillsboro, and Vancouver, Washington.

 

We also have an office in Minneapolis, Minnesota and take medical malpractice cases throughout the Twin Cities, including St. Paul, Hennepin County, Ramsey County, Dakota County, Washington County, Anoka County, Scott County, Blaine, Stillwater, and Saint Paul Minnesota.