Are you wondering how Pitocin causes birth injuries? While this drug can help some women during the delivery process, it can also cause physical effects that injure children. A birth injury lawyer can go into specific details about the impact of this drug.
Lawyers can also help you if your child sustained an injury due to negligent Picotin usage. Learn more about how birth injuries can arise from Pitocin uses and what your legal options are if your child has been affected when you reach out for a free consultation.
How does Pitocin Impact a Fetus and Cause Birth Injuries?
Doctors often use Pitocin during childbirth. Pitocin represents the synthetic version of the hormone oxytocin. The body produces oxytocin naturally from the pituitary gland during labor and uses this hormone to cause contractions in the uterus, eventually leading to childbirth.
Many people wonder how Pitocin can injure a fetus if it aligns with a natural hormone. Pitocin comes with several risks, primarily tied to issues with administering a wrong dosage. Additionally, not everyone reacts to the synthetic hormone in the same way.
Improper usage of Pitocin can cause:
Overly Intense or Strong Contractions
In some patients, Pitocin strengthens contractions to a dangerous degree. Strong contractions can cause birth injuries by interfering with oxygen flow through the umbilical cord. Contractors can compress the cord, preventing blood from traveling through it to the fetus.
Overly strong contractions may also cause the placenta to tear away from the uterine wall early. Finally, in some situations, the placenta ruptures due to the strength of the contractions. All these situations place the child in significant danger.
Contractions Too Close Together
Additionally, during labor, there must be time between contractors. The period between contractions gives the baby time to recover, making these rest intervals vitally important.
Unfortunately, Pitocin can shorten the recovery period, making contractions come faster together. Doctors can use Pitocin to speed contractions if they’re trying to induce labor but have to measure the dosage carefully to protect the baby’s well-being.
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Why does Pitocin Cause Fetal Distress?
When considering how Pitocin causes birth injuries, many people look into why the drug leads to fetal distress. In many cases, babies experience distress after doctors administer Pitocin during labor because it interferes with their oxygen levels.
Hard, severe, or rapid contractions can negatively impact the function of the umbilical cord, leading to conditions like hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE).
HIE occurs when infants and newborns do not get enough oxygen. The condition can lead to other birth injuries, like cerebral palsy. Excessive usage of Pitocin during labor can lead to lifelong consequences for your child.
Can Pitocin Cause Birth Defects?
Pitocin can have serious side effects on your baby. Administration of the drug can lead to birth injuries. However, medical professionals do not associate Pitocin with birth defects.
Birth defects usually result from genetic or chromosomal abnormalities. They may also occur due to drug use during pregnancy. They occur before childbirth and delivery, the time in which doctors usually administer Pitocin.
Can Pitocin Negatively Affect the Individual Giving Birth?
Sometimes, Pitocin can cause birth injuries. Improper administration of the drug may also impact women in labor. According to the Mayo Clinic, some women have a stronger reaction to the drug, which may cause their uterus to tear.
Additionally, Pitocin may cause water toxicity in some individuals. This serious condition can lead to drowsiness, seizures, confusion, and other symptoms. Individuals should inform a doctor right away if they experience any symptoms after the administration of the drug.
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Can Doctors Administer Pitocin Safely?
Doctors choose to administer Pitocin to patients in labor on a regular basis, despite the health risks associated with the drug. They may use the drug to induce or augment labor by stimulating the uterus to contract.
In some cases, administering Pitocin represents the best choice for the patient. However, due to the risk factors associated with this drug, it should only be administered by professionals who understand the correct dosages.
Additionally, doctors have a responsibility to closely monitor any patient who receives Pitocin. Doctors need to monitor the vital signs of both the pregnant individual and the child after administering the drug so that they can act quickly in the event of a poor reaction.
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Do You Have Legal Options After a Pitocin Birth Injury?
Now that we’ve reviewed how Pitocin causes birth injuries, we can discuss your legal options in this situation. In some cases, you have the opportunity to seek compensation to cover the medical expenses associated with your child’s injuries.
In order to secure damages, however, a birth injury lawyer has to demonstrate that a medical professional had a doctor-patient relationship with your child and failed to provide a proper standard of care during labor and delivery.
Lawyers often interview witnesses and work with Pitocin experts when handling these cases. Then, depending on your situation, you could settle a claim or even file a lawsuit.
What Damages Can You Get for Mistakes Involving Pitocin
If a medical professional incorrectly administered Pitocin, leading to a birth injury, your family may have a chance to seek compensation to cover your child’s current and future medical expenses. You may also receive funds to cover your lost wages.
You can learn more about options for compensation by contacting a law firm specializing in birth injury cases.
Get Legal Help for Birth Injuries Caused by Pitocin
Want to learn more about how Pitocin causes birth injuries? You can start working with a birth injury lawyer today to get additional information about legal assistance. A legal professional can provide your family with compassionate care today.
Find out more by calling us or completing our online contact form.
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