3 Life-Altering Mismanaged Pregnancy Infection Consequences
During prenatal care, mothers-to-be are monitored carefully to ensure that they are in good health and that their baby is developing properly. Potential conditions and infections are tested for throughout pregnancy, but if a problem is overlooked, it could be life-changing for mother and baby. At worst, mismanaged pregnancy infections could be fatal.
The Incredible Danger of Mismanaged Pregnancy Infections
The development of a urinary tract infection, group B streptococcus, and bacterial vaginosis can all have serious consequences for a mother and her newborn. While these conditions are typically minor annoyances that are easily treated when a woman is not pregnant, they can become major complications during pregnancy.
Here are just some of the conditions that can lead to life-altering consequences, all because of a mismanaged pregnancy infection:
- Meningitis. Babies are susceptible to developing infant meningitis when they contract a viral or bacterial infection, as these problems can then spread to the spinal cord and brain fluid, leading to meningitis. Infections are passed through the mother during pregnancy or delivery.
- Cerebral palsy. Complications in the womb, such as unnoticed or undiagnosed pregnancy infections, can lead to cerebral palsy, particularly if an infection prompts premature birth. Lack of oxygen or poor respiration can lead to brain damage and, ultimately, cerebral palsy.
- Sepsis. Neonatal sepsis is a bacterial infection in the bloodstream of newborn babies, usually those with low birth weights. Sepsis that occurs within 24 hours of birth typically occurs because of premature delivery or placental or amniotic fluid infections, and the baby contracted the infection from the mother either before or after delivery. Brain damage and death can both result from sepsis.
Mismanaged pregnancy complications can become twofold. If an infection is overlooked during pregnancy and causes a problem during or immediately after birth, and then that condition is also mismanaged, the results can be devastating. Slow diagnosis or treatment of an infant with a serious infection can quickly lead to brain damage or death.
Mismanaged pregnancy infection consequences due to poor medical care can be life altering and even deadly to both mothers and infants.
Identifying Medical Malpractice or Negligence in Pregnancy
There are standards of care that obstetricians must adhere to for every patient.
Expectant mothers should be tested by their doctor between 35 and 37 weeks for group B strep. This test is especially important as this is a condition that does not usually show symptoms. A mother can receive antibiotics before the baby is born, clearing up the infection and protecting the child – and herself – from complications.
Urinary tract infections should be tested for at the first prenatal visit and regularly thereafter so the problem can be treated quickly before the infection has an opportunity to become a major complication.
Don’t Just Learn to Live with the Fallout from a Pregnancy Infection
Infants and their mothers both can be the casualties of mismanaged pregnancy infections. Life-threatening, lifelong, or severe long-lasting conditions can be the result of poor medical care. In the most devastating cases, the complications result in death. If you have suffered because of medical negligence or malpractice, contact Thurswell Law for a free consultation. Our experienced attorneys are here to help you make sense of your circumstances, and get compensation for your suffering. We do not charge any fees unless you collect. Call (248) 354-2222 today to schedule your consultation.
