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 amedical 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 410.567.0800 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation so our experienced attorney can get started on your case.
