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Legal Services for Pregnancy Complications in Philadelphia, PA

2019 Medical Malpractice Attorney of the year

Legal Support for Mothers Affected by Medical Injuries

Pregnancy complications can affect both the mother and the child, extending well beyond typical birth injuries. In Philadelphia, PA, many complications stem from pre-existing health conditions such as diabetes, obesity, or high blood pressure — all of which can intensify significantly once a woman becomes pregnant. While some symptoms like nausea, fatigue, or bloating are considered normal, others can escalate into life-threatening emergencies for both mother and unborn child. Philadelphia mothers deserve attentive, knowledgeable medical care throughout every stage of pregnancy.

When a Philadelphia, PA doctor fails to detect, monitor, or properly treat pregnancy complications, the consequences can be catastrophic — and legally actionable. Physicians carry a clear responsibility to identify risks and intervene promptly. If that duty is neglected, it may constitute medical malpractice. The Law Offices of Joseph Lichtenstein has fought for Philadelphia families harmed by medical negligence for over years.

Types of Pregnancy Complications

The first step to avoiding these complications is to be aware as to what they look like so that you can get help as soon as possible.

Vaginal Bleeding

One common complication which could prove to be serious is vaginal bleeding. This can occur throughout the pregnancy but is most common during the first trimester. One complication this could point to is a miscarriage, however, this is not necessarily so. Bleeding could also be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy. This occurs in about one out of every sixty pregnancies and means that the pregnancy was implanted outside the uterus instead of inside. This could be caused by an infection in the fallopian tubes, a pelvic surgery in the past, or another previous ectopic pregnancy.

Incompetent Cervix

Another pregnancy complication which pregnant women should be aware of is an incompetent cervix. This could occur when the woman's cervix is weak and could result in the infant being born prematurely. In order to avoid this from happening, a surgical procedure known as a cervical cerclage could take place so that the cervix will remain closed. Those who are more susceptible to this type of complication are women who have previously had a history of miscarriages or those who have a damaged cervix caused by an abortion.

Gestational Hypertension

Gestational hypertension is also known as pregnancy induced hypertension. Approximately 8% of all women experience some type of high blood pressure during pregnancy so it is important to be aware of the symptoms so that you can treat this condition as soon as possible. The three most common types of hypertension are: chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, and preeclampsia. Chronic hypertension refers to women who already had high blood pressure before they were pregnant. Gestational hypertension refers to those who developed high blood pressure after their 20th week of pregnancy. Preeclampsia is a combination of both and is therefore one of the more serious forms of high blood pressure.

Do not hesitate to contact a Philadelphia, PA pregnancy complications attorney at The Law Offices of Joseph Lichtenstein for experienced legal help in your case!