Preeclampsia is a severe pregnancy-related condition characterized by hypertension and damage to the organs, often the kidneys. It typically occurs in the middle or last stage of pregnancy and can have severe consequences for both the mother and the baby if not promptly diagnosed and treated.
In Ohio, preeclampsia is one of the leading causes of death in pregnant women. Let’s explore the implications of delayed or missed diagnosis of preeclampsia and its impact on maternal and neonatal health.
What are the symptoms of preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia is a complex condition that can present with various symptoms, including:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Proteinuria (excess protein in the urine)
- Severe headaches
- Visual disturbances
- Upper abdominal pain
- Shortness of breath
Risk factors for preeclampsia can be hypertension, obesity, diabetes and first-time pregnancies, multiple fetuses (twins or triplets), among others. Preeclampsia often needs early delivery to protect the mother and the baby, leading to preterm birth and other complications such as respiratory distress syndrome and developmental delays.
Consequences of delayed or missed diagnosis
Pre-eclampsia poses significant health risks to both the mother and the baby that, if left undiagnosed or untreated, can have severe and potentially life-threatening consequences and can lead to heart problems such as a stroke or organ damage such as liver or kidney. Other severe consequences are:
- Eclampsia: It involves the sudden on-set of seizures.
- HELLP Syndrome: This severe form of preeclampsia involves hemolysis, high liver enzymes and minimal platelet count, which leads to liver damage and bleeding disorders.
- Placental abruption: When the placenta splits prematurely from the uterus, causing severe bleeding and posing a significant risk to the lives of mother and baby.
Poor blood flow to the placenta can result in inadequate growth and development of the baby. Severe cases of preeclampsia can result in cerebral palsy or even stillbirth due to compromised placental function and oxygen delivery to the fetus.
Failure to diagnose and treat preeclampsia can lead to medical malpractice claims. Affected families may seek legal advice to guide them. An experienced attorney can assist with the investigation to establish negligence or fault.
Preeclampsia is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition that demands vigilant prenatal care and timely medical intervention. By prioritizing early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, mothers and health providers can mitigate the risks associated with preeclampsia.