The Eisen Law Firm Supports Preeclampsia Awareness
May is Preeclampsia Awareness Month, and May 22nd is World Preeclampsia Day. The aim of each of these is to enhance public recognition of the risks of this pregnancy-related condition, which affects five to ten percent of pregnancies worldwide. It is important for all pregnant women and their loved ones to know the facts surrounding this condition and what to do if they suspect preeclampsia.
Know the Facts About Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia can develop during pregnancy or postpartum. Your doctor should routinely take your blood pressure and run urine tests to look out for this condition. Preeclampsia is a leading cause of death among both mothers and infants. This condition and its complications lead to about 20 percent of neonatal intensive care (NICU) admissions. Preeclampsia often results in preterm delivery.
One of the first signs of preeclampsia is an abnormal increase in the pregnant woman’s blood pressure. Other symptoms can include:
- Kidney problems and excess protein in the urine
- Decreased urine output
- Vomiting or nausea
- Pain in the upper abdomen
- Severe headaches
- Liver function impairment
- Fluid in the lungs, which can cause respiratory problems
- Vision changes, including blurred vision or vision loss
- Decreased blood platelet levels
Some of these might seem like normal pregnancy symptoms, such as nausea or headaches. However, it is important to be honest with your doctor about any symptoms you are feeling, as you might not realize they are signs of preeclampsia.
Preeclampsia can lead to many complications, some of which might be fatal for the mother or child. Common complications that doctors should work to prevent or address include:
- Restricted growth or development of the fetus
- The need for preterm delivery to saves the lives of both mother and child
- Treating infant health issues associated with preterm delivery
- Placental abruption, which can be life-threatening
- Eclampsia, which involves seizures in addition to preeclampsia symptoms
- Damage to major organs, including the kidneys, liver, heart, lungs, or eyes
- A more severe form of preeclampsia called HELLP syndrome
The Eisen Law Firm Supports Pregnant Women with Preeclampsia and Related Complications
Medical professionals should know to watch for signs of preeclampsia, develop proper treatment protocols, and monitor maternal and fetal health with preeclampsia in mind. When this does not happen, serious or fatal injuries can result.
At The Eisen Law Firm, we’ve represented clients impacted by preeclampsia, including obtaining a confidential settlement for a client whose preeclampsia should have been diagnosed but never was. We also obtained a confidential settlement for a client whose undiagnosed placental abruption - a common complication of preeclampsia - led to the tragic death of her fetus.
Contact Ohio Birth Injury Lawyers Who Can Help
This May, help us raise the awareness of this potentially fatal condition by using the hashtag #ActEarlyScreenEarly.
If you believe you received substandard care for preeclampsia, and either you or your child suffered preventable injuries, you want The Eisen Law Firm on your side. Contact us online or call (216) 687-0900 for a free case evaluation and to learn more about how we might help.