Baltimore Failure to Treat Pre-Term Labor Lawyer
Pre-term labor can occur when ongoing contractions cause the cervix to open between week 20 and week 37 of a pregnancy. Pre-term labor is a very dangerous condition that can result in premature birth. When a baby is born prematurely, they are at greater risk of suffering from health conditions and mental and physical disabilities.
Doctors should identify when a woman is at high risk for pre-term labor, and know how to treat it when it happens to preserve the health of the woman and child. If your doctor was negligent and failed to treat pre-term labor, our Baltimore pre-term labor lawyer can help your family claim the damages you deserve.
Signs of Pre-Term Labor
It is important that all women know the signs of pre-term labor, so they can discuss them with their doctor immediately. The most common signs are as follows:
- Persistent dull ache in the lower back
- Contractions, which feel as though the abdomen is tightening
- Pressure in the pelvis or lower abdomen
- Light bleeding or vaginal spotting
- Abdominal cramping
- Early membrane rupture, which can cause a gush or small trickle of fluid
- Changes in vaginal discharge
Treating Pre-Term Labor
All doctors should know how to treat pre-term labor so the woman and child are not placed at additional risk. The most common treatments used for pre-term labor include:
- Bed rest: A woman may have to remain on bed rest either in the hospital or at home.
- Corticosteroids: The lungs of a premature baby may not function properly. Corticosteroids can help an infant’s lungs mature and grow so they can function better.
- Tocolytic medication: Tocolytic medicines can stop or slow contractions. These medications are either given as injections, or intravenously through an IV line.
- Cervical cerclage: This medical procedure stitches the opening of the cervix closed. It is most often necessary when the cervix is weak and cannot remain closed on its own.
- Antibiotics: Antibiotic medication can help prevent infections that can develop during pre-term labor.
- Delivery: When other treatments do not work, or when the infant is in danger, a doctor may decide it is best to deliver the baby, even if it is early. These deliveries are often done via a cesarean delivery.
When doctors do not take the necessary action to treat and stop pre-term labor, it is an act of negligence. While nothing can undo the injuries your child sustained, or the grief caused by a wrongful death, filing a medical malpractice can help your family recover the damages you sustained.
Our Birth Injury Lawyers in Baltimore Can Help Your Family
If you or your child suffered from pre-term labor, our Baltimore birth injury lawyers at Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman, LLC, can help your family claim the compensation you deserve. Call us today at 410-998-3600 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation so our experienced attorney can get started on your case.
