Before you panic, remember that placental abruption is a rare complication that affects less than 1% of pregnant women. Additionally, the condition is treatable.
Still, it is never a bad idea to monitor your own health and pay attention to signs and symptoms. Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following:
- Vaginal bleeding – even though it is the main symptom of placental abruption, 20% of cases will have no bleeding at all
- Discomfort or tenderness in the uterus or abdomen
- Ongoing pain in the back or abdominal area
- Contractions – uterine contractions will typically come one after another
Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Placental abruption can typically be diagnosed with a physical exam and an ultrasound. Sometimes, blood tests and fetal monitoring may be required.
Once your diagnosis is confirmed, your healthcare provider will determine a treatment plan based on the severity and location of the separation, and the age of the pregnancy.
For partial separation, you may be admitted to the hospital for bed rest and close monitoring. If the bleeding stops and tests show improvement, you may be allowed to go home. If you are close to full term, or your condition is getting worse, your physician may recommend induced labor or cesarean birth (c-section).
For total separation, the best course of action is early delivery. This condition usually occurs in the third trimester of pregnancy, so the fetus has a high chance of being stable enough to survive delivery. Depending on the situation, you may have to undergo a c-section. Before delivery, your doctor may give you medicines called corticosteroids. These drugs will help the baby strengthen their lungs and other organs before delivery.
Even in cases of placental abruption, 85% of infants survive emergency procedures.
Misdiagnosis and Treatment Errors
If you recognize symptoms, get an efficient diagnosis, and are treated properly, both you and your baby are likely to get through this complication together.
If not, you could be left with a severe birth injury or suffer the loss of your pregnancy.
It is up to medical professionals to provide the care you need throughout your gestation. If you were misdiagnosed, your placental abruption was overlooked, or you were not treated properly, you may be entitled to damages. While nothing will replace the health of you or your child, a lucrative settlement can help you afford the care your family needs.
If you have suffered an inappropriately handled placental abruption case, our attorneys at Bertram & Graf, L.L.C. can help.
Tell us your story at (888) 398-2277 or during a free consultation, and let us fight for your family today.