Did You Develop Preeclampsia Or HELLP Syndrome While Pregnant?
If preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome are not detected and treated in pregnant women, they could result in infant and maternal mortality.
If you or someone you love developed preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome, or a related condition while pregnant, but that condition was not detected and treated by the doctor to the detriment of the mother or child, you may have a claim.
What Is Preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia is a condition about 5 to 8% of pregnant women develop in the United States. The condition causes high blood pressure as well as fluid retention and proteinuria in some cases. If not detected and treated early on, expectant mothers could develop the more serious condition eclampsia, which could lead to seizures and death.
What Are The Signs Of Preeclampsia?
Many women who have preeclampsia have no visible signs or symptoms, but this condition can cause the following side effects:
- Hypertension
- Protein in your urine
- Headaches
- Nausea and vomiting, and other abnormalities
How Should Doctors Test For Preeclampsia?
If a pregnant woman is displaying some signs or symptoms of preeclampsia, a doctor will usually test for the following after the 20th week of pregnancy:
- Protein in urine
- Kidney trouble
- Pulmonary edema
- Low platelet count
How Is Preeclampsia Treated?
Preeclampsia can be treated with bed rest and managed with various medications until the baby is large enough to be safely delivered. In some cases, obstetricians and doctors decide to deliver the baby early so that the mother’s condition does not cause the baby harm.
What Is HELLP Syndrome?
HELLP syndrome stands for hemolysis (H), elevated liver enzymes (EL), and low platelet count (LP). Out of the 5% to 8% of pregnant women who develop preeclampsia, 15% of those will develop HELLP Syndrome.
What Are The Signs Of HELLP Syndrome?
Mothers who have developed HELLP syndrome will typically display the same or similar symptoms as women with preeclampsia, with more severe high blood pressure and protein levels in their urine.
How Is HELLP Syndrome Treated?
Doctors who detect HELLP syndrome will typically recommend that the baby be delivered as soon as possible, even before the baby’s anticipated delivery date. This differs from case to case, but if the doctor believes the baby is at risk, they may choose to deliver the baby.
If you or someone you love developed preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome, or a related condition while pregnant, but that condition was not detected and treated by the doctor to the detriment of the mother or child, you may have a claim. We invite you to contact our Chicago birth injury lawyers at Power Rogers today for a free consultation.
