Maryland Stillbirths and Death Lawyers
Having a stillborn baby is every expectant parent’s worst nightmare. No parent wants to hear that the baby they have been hoping for has died, especially when the death could have been prevented.
The most common reason for stillbirth is failure of the placenta. The placenta is an important part of the womb, as it connects the baby to its mother’s blood supply and provides food and oxygen for the baby. The placenta essentially serves as the baby’s lifeline, helping it to grow.
When the placenta doesn’t work properly, the baby can become malnourished and suffer from intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) or fetal growth restriction (FGR). This can cause the baby to become stillborn.
If your baby died stillborn due to a doctor’s negligence, you may have legal options. Contact the Maryland stillbirth lawyers at Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman for legal advice about the types of damages you can obtain.
Causes of Stillbirth
There are several ways in which a baby can be stillborn. They include the following:
- Placental abruption. Nearly half of stillbirths are caused by placental abruption, which is when the placenta separates from the womb before the baby is born. Placental abruption can be caused by trauma to the stomach or a medical condition such as preeclampsia. Symptoms may include contractions, a tender uterus, vaginal bleeding, and pain in the abdomen and back.
- Preeclampsia. This is a condition that causes high blood pressure and high levels of protein in the urine. It typically occurs after 20 weeks of pregnancy and can be harmful to both the mother and baby. In fact, it is a common cause of death.
- Infection. Approximately 10% of stillbirths occur when the mother develops an infection. Bacterial infections can be especially dangerous. They can move from the vagina into the womb and cause serious harm to a baby. The most common ones include E.coli, chlamydia, group B streptococcus, mycoplasma, klebsiella, and enterococcus. Other harmful infections include Lyme disease, rubella, toxoplasmosis, malaria, parvovirus, cytomegalovirus, listeriosis, and herpes simplex.
- Umbilical cord issues. Umbilical cord problems can also lead to stillbirth. When the umbilical cord slips through the entrance of the womb before the baby is born, this is called cord prolapse. The umbilical cord can also wrap itself around the baby’s neck. Both these situations can keep the baby from getting sufficient oxygen.
- Gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes only occurs during pregnancy. It can cause high glucose levels, high blood pressure, jaundice, and other conditions that can lead to stillbirth, although the risk is low.
Contact Us Today
Stillbirth can be a devastating situation for expectant parents. Sometimes doctors can be held liable if their negligence if their actions (or lack thereof) led to the baby’s death.
The personal injury lawyers at Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman can help you during this difficult time. We can help you understand your legal rights. Schedule a free consultation by calling 410-998-3600.