Placental abruption happens when the placenta separates from the uterus prematurely. What causes placental abruption is typically trauma to the abdomen, but uncontrolled high blood pressure and substance abuse can also create damage that can cause separation.
This is an extremely serious birth injury that could threaten the life of the fetus and the mother. If you believe you have the symptoms of placental abruption, go to the emergency room.
Afterward, if you believe your usual doctor should have caught the signs or warned you better, speak with our placental birth injury lawyers for advice.
The Major Causes of Placental Abruption
Trauma to the abdomen, such as from a car accident or fall, can cause the placenta to separate from the uterine wall. A medical professional should evaluate even seemingly minor impacts to the abdomen during pregnancy because the placental wall is quite delicate.
High blood pressure during pregnancy, particularly if poorly controlled, significantly increases the risk of placental abruption. Your healthcare provider should monitor and manage your blood pressure throughout your pregnancy.
Substance use, including smoking, cocaine use, or alcohol consumption during pregnancy, can damage the connection between the placenta and uterus. This can make it much easier for the wall to separate during daily activities.
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Further Risk Factors You Should Discuss With Your Doctor
Several risk factors increase your chance of placental abruption. Discuss these with your doctor if they apply to you:
- Previous placental abruption in past pregnancies
- Multiple pregnancy (twins or triplets)
- Age 35 or older during pregnancy
- Chronic high blood pressure or preeclampsia
- History of blood clotting disorders
- Uterine fibroids or other abnormalities
- Previous cesarean delivery
Your doctor should create a monitoring plan based on your specific risk factors. If they dismiss your concerns about these risk factors, seek a second opinion. Any of these factors could determine what causes placental abruption for you.
Warning Signs that Require Immediate Medical Attention
Recognizing the symptoms of placental abruption is crucial for protecting both you and your baby. Watch for:
- Vaginal bleeding, which may be sudden and severe
- Abdominal pain or tenderness
- Back pain that comes on suddenly
- Frequent contractions
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately. Something may have caused placental abruption. Delaying treatment could result in serious complications for both mother and baby.
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Potential Complications from Delayed Treatment of Placental Abruption
Without prompt medical intervention, placental abruption can lead to severe complications including:
- Birth asphyxia from lack of oxygen to your baby
- Developmental delays or disabilities
- Emergency cesarean delivery
- Maternal complications, including dangerous bleeding
These outcomes may be preventable with proper medical care and monitoring. If your healthcare provider failed to recognize or properly treat placental abruption, their negligence may have contributed to these further complications.
In the worst cases, the baby could die from a lack of oxygen, and the mother could die from internal bleeding. Do not ignore the signs of placental abruption, and know what causes it. That way, you can seek medical attention if you suffer an event that may cause it.
Long-Term Effects on Mother and Baby
The impact of placental abruption can extend far beyond the immediate delivery period. Babies receive oxygen and blood through the placenta. The abruption can reduce the flow of these and harm your baby’s brain. Your baby may face:
- Developmental challenges requiring ongoing therapy
- Medical needs that continue throughout childhood
- Learning difficulties that become apparent as they grow
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Emergency Room Treatment for Placental Abruption
When you arrive at the emergency room with symptoms of placental abruption, medical staff should:
- Immediately check the fetal heart rate and movement
- Perform an ultrasound to assess the placental position
- Monitor your vital signs and bleeding
- Start IV fluids if necessary
- Prepare for an emergency cesarean if needed
The speed of treatment is crucial. Any delay in emergency care could result in serious complications. If you can do so, document when you arrived and how long you waited for treatment, as this information may be important for any future legal claim.
Signs Your Doctor Ignored Placental Abruption
If your healthcare provider’s negligence contributed to complications from placental abruption, you may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim. Common forms of negligence include:
- Failure to monitor known risk factors
- Delayed response to warning signs
- Inadequate testing when symptoms appeared
- Improper management of underlying conditions like hypertension
Healthcare providers must follow specific protocols to prevent and monitor for placental abruption. These include regular blood pressure checks, careful monitoring of existing health conditions, and thorough examination after any reported trauma.
You have the right to receive proper prenatal care, including regular screenings and monitoring for placental abruption risk factors. Your doctor should inform you about potential warning signs and provide clear emergency instructions.
Contact Us for Compassionate Legal Support
When medical professionals fail to meet accepted standards of care, you may be entitled to compensation for resulting injuries. This can help cover ongoing medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and other damages related to the injury.
Now that you know what causes placental abruption, if you believe the signs were ignored by your doctor and caused you and your baby harm, reach out to Birth Injury Lawyers Group today. We offer free consultations to discuss your situation and explain your legal options.
Our experienced birth injury lawyers will listen to your story compassionately and help you understand the best path forward for your family.
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