Placenta Previa Can Lead to Many Complications

Birth Injury,Library Articles | October 19, 2017

If this article sounds similar to a recent experience that you or a loved one have suffered from, please don’t hesitate to contact us online or call 859-578-4444 to schedule a free consultation!

Placenta previa.

Those words may continue to ring in your ears. Once the doctor diagnosed you with the condition, which meant your placenta was lying low in your uterus and possibly covering your cervix, your anxiety may have skyrocketed.

The placenta provides much-needed nutrients to your baby through the umbilical cord. However, when placenta previa occurs, it can put both mother and child at risk.

What You Need to Know About Placenta Previa

According to BabyCenter.com, placenta previa occurs in up to 1 in every 200 deliveries. For the most part, when placenta previa is detected early in pregnancy, it often corrects itself. If a later ultrasound still shows placenta previa, though, there are some things that you need to know:

  • You may need to go on pelvic rest. Your doctor might advise that you avoid intercourse or vaginal exams for the remainder of your pregnancy. It might also be recommended that you avoid strenuous activities, including heavy lifting.
  • A C-section will most likely be needed. If placenta previa is present at the time of birth, a Caesarean section will be required to safely deliver the baby. This is especially the case when the placenta completely covers the cervix.
  • Bleeding may occur. It is crucial that your doctor carefully monitors you. Heavy bleeding can have severe consequences. If you do have excessive bleeding, you should go to the hospital immediately.
  • Your baby might be born premature. Depending on the bleeding, and other factors associated with placenta previa, your baby may be born premature. There are risks associated with premature births, including low birth weight and breathing difficulties.

You have enough to worry about when you are expecting a child. You shouldn’t have to be concerned about whether your doctor is taking the appropriate measures to protect you and your child. If you had placenta previa and your child suffered a birth injury, or if your doctor failed to diagnose placenta previa, you may be able to recover compensation.

For more information, contact an experienced Louisville birth injury lawyer at the Law Office of Hendy Johnson Vaughn Emery at (859) 578-4444 or (888) 606-5297.  We have been representing families of injured children in Kentucky and Ohio for over 35 years.

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