Philadelphia Postpartum Hemorrhage Lawyer
While losing a small amount of blood after giving birth is completely normal, some women experience heavy blood loss, which is called postpartum hemorrhaging. Postpartum hemorrhaging can be treated with medication, and blood transfusion, and it is the duty of the OB/GYN to diagnose, monitor, and treat the condition as needed during the weeks after childbirth. Failure on the doctor’s part can lead to a life threatening condition. As a mother, you should be spending time bonding with your infant, not fighting for your own life or dealing with a complicated medical condition while handling the overwhelming responsibility of caring for a newborn. If a doctor failed to treat postpartum hemorrhage, or carried out a procedure that caused it, the Philadelphia postpartum hemorrhage lawyer at The Villari Firm, PLLC, can help you seek fair compensation.
What is Postpartum Hemorrhage?
The average blood loss for a vaginal delivery is half a quart, while the average woman loses one quart of blood during a C-section. As such, some blood loss is to be expected. However, postpartum hemorrhage is a rare medical condition in which a woman who has recently given birth bleeds excessively. It usually occurs within a day of giving birth, but can happen anytime within 12 weeks of giving birth, and is caused when the placenta is not fully pushed out during birth; the placenta, which supplies oxygen and nutrients to the fetus, has many blood cells that bleed during birth. Usually, contractions help push out all of the placenta, but if small pieces remain, they can later begin bleeding again. There is an increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage in the following pregnancies/delivery scenarios:
- Prolonged labor
- Anesthesia is improperly given
- Vacuum or forceps delivery
- Preeclampsia
- Medications are given to induce, or halt, labor
- Receiving an unneeded C-section
- Attachment of the placenta
Signs and Symptoms of Postpartum Hemorrhage
It is important to seek medical attention immediately if you experience the following signs of postpartum hemorrhage:
- Heavy vaginal bleeding that does not stop
- Drop in blood pressure
- Shock, which includes chills, clammy skin, confusion, blurry vision, irregular heart beat, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue
- Swelling and/or pain of the vagina or perineum
Treating an emergency postpartum hemorrhage usually requires giving the patient a blood transfusion and oxygen. Once the patient is stable, doctors may prescribe medication, such as pitocin, and remove pieces of the placenta that are left. It may also be necessary to perform a hysterectomy.
Contact a Philadelphia Postpartum Hemorrhage Lawyer Today
Failing to diagnose postpartum hemorrhage, delaying treatment, or causing postpartum hemorrhage can all be forms of medical malpractice if the doctor failed to provide the specific standard of care that is legally required here in Philadelphia. If you believe that your doctor made this error, and you or your loved one suffered damages as a result, the Philadelphia postpartum hemorrhage lawyers at The Villari Firm can help you bring a medical malpractice claim, or wrongful death claim, against the at-fault party. We encourage you to take action today by calling us at 215-372-8889 to schedule a free consultation.
