Preeclampsia is a condition that affects pregnant women and it can be life threatening for women and their unborn children. A woman is diagnosed with preeclampsia if she has high blood pressure (meaning greater than 140 systolic or 90 diastolic) and, after 20 weeks of pregnancy, has a finding of protein in her urine, a low blood platelet count, elevated liver enzymes, fluid in her lungs, headaches or visual disturbances.
Tests to Confirm Preeclampsia
If a woman is experiencing high blood pressures when pregnant, her healthcare provider must order additional tests, like bloodwork and a urine analysis, to confirm whether or not she has preeclampsia. Doctors must also be concerned about the health of the unborn baby in these situations, and should order fetal ultrasounds so they can see if the baby’s weight is within acceptable limits and confirm that there is adequate amniotic fluid.
Additionally, doctors can order a nonstress test, which is a simple procedure that checks how the baby’s heart rate reacts when the baby moves. This test can also monitor the baby’s breathing, muscle tone, movement, and volume of amniotic fluid.
Is There Treatment for Preeclampsia?
The only real treatment for preeclampsia is to deliver the baby. That means doctors have to be wary of the baby’s health during pregnancy, and if a preterm delivery (delivery before 37 weeks) is needed because of preeclampsia, steroids have to be administered to help the baby’s lungs develop. While this seems extreme, it is often necessary to prevent other complications linked to preeclampsia, like a fetal abruption, which is when the placenta separates from the uterus.
Contact Anapol Weiss to File Your Birth Injury Claim in Philadelphia
Our experienced team of trial attorneys at Anapol Weiss are well versed in complex pregnancies, and understand the intricacies of conditions like preeclampsia. If you or a loved one lost a child during childbirth or had a child suffer a serious birth injury, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact us today to discuss what happened to you and your child during your pregnancy.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.
