Misdiagnosis or Failure to Diagnose Preeclampsia

While pregnancy is often one of the greatest times in a mother’s life with the excitement of welcome her baby into the world, unfortunately there are times when complications can occur, making pregnancy less than enjoyable. Some complications can be more mild, while others are considered to be medical emergencies that require immediate intervention. If a complication occurs, it is a medical provider’s responsibility to diagnose and treat that complication in a timely manner. Failure to do so can result in serious harm of the mother, baby, or both. One example of a serious complication which requires immediate intervention is preeclampsia. When serious complications are not diagnosed and treated in a timely manner which results in harm to the mother or baby, it is considered to be negligence. 

Preeclampsia Explained

Pre-eclampsia typically develops in the third trimester of pregnancy, but can occur anytime after 20 weeks. Women can have entirely normal pregnancies and then suddenly develop pre-eclampsia, while other women are at greater risk for the condition. Women with the condition most often present with high blood pressure, but may have other signs of the condition, such as blurred vision or protein in the urine. There is no cure for preeclampsia, only delivery of the baby. A woman is considered to have preeclampsia if her blood pressure is 140/90 or higher. The cause of pre-eclampsia is unknown, but is thought to be due to abnormal blood vessel formation during pregnancy. If the blood vessels are more narrow, it can cause an abnormal reaction to hormone signaling. Insufficient blood flow to the uterus, genetics, blood vessel damage or immune system conditions are also thought to potentially cause preeclampsia.

Symptoms of Preeclampsia

There are many different signs of preeclampsia that may signal to a doctor that the patient has pre-eclampsia. As mentioned above, it is essential to act immediately to avoid serious harm to the mother and infant. Common symptoms of preeclampsia include the following:

• Blood pressure of 140/90 or greater
• Protein in the urine
• Sudden rapid weight gain
• Significant headaches
• Nausea
• Vomiting 
• Vision changes (i.e. blurred vision)
• Shortness of breath
• Abnormal liver function results on lab work
• Facial and hand swelling

How is Preeclampsia Misdiagnosed?

Women with preeclampsia can present with a great deal of symptoms, while others only present with elevated blood pressure. Pregnant women are supposed to be monitored very closely, with weight, blood pressure, and urine being checked at each visit. This should allow the physician to detect preeclampsia in a timely manner. Failure to diagnose or misdiagnosis of preeclampsia is considered to be medical malpractice if the mother or infant are harmed as a result of the delay in diagnosis and treatment. Causes of misdiagnosed or failure to diagnose preeclampsia include the following:

• Failure to conduct blood pressure monitoring 
• Failure to check urinalysis for protein
• Failure to monitor the mother’s weight
• Failure to discuss with mothers when they should call in regard to symptoms of preeclampsia 
• Dismissing the mother’s concerns about symptoms she is experiencing
• Failure to recognize the most common signs of pre-eclampsia
• Failure to closely monitor a mother whose blood pressure is slowly becoming more elevated

Failure to Diagnose Preeclampsia 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.