Medical Negligence During Pregancy: What You Need To Know

Once you discover that you are pregnant, feelings of joy and excitement over a new addition to the family will prevail. The last thing you likely think about is complications during your pregnancy. Most mothers will not develop any problems, but some pregnancies can be less than perfect. That is why it is crucial for all expectant moms to know about some of the problems that could happen so that they can remain vigilant in following up on any symptoms that can seem out of the ordinary.

If you notice that you do not feel right or if you suspect you have something abnormal going on with your pregnancy, it is important to ask your doctor. However, some doctors do not provide adequate care for various reasons. Some physicians may overlook your symptoms as nothing out of the ordinary. However, you could have some major consequences if the doctor does not take enough care to properly diagnose you. This medical negligence can lead to birth injuries, lasting complications for the mother and baby, or even death. The following are some things all mothers need to know about medical negligence in pregnancy:

Medical Negligence Defined

Medical negligence is another term for medical malpractice. This term refers to any incident where a doctor, nurse, or other medical professional does not provide adequate medical care as they are required to do. Medical professionals have a duty to provide all manner of care in order to ensure the health of a patient. Not doing so constitutes negligence that can have dire consequences.

The Need for Thorough Prenatal Care

A pregnant woman should be seen at least once a month during the nine-month period. Most women are seen multiple times a month toward the end of the pregnancy. This is the standard care that should be expected. Any medical professional that tells you otherwise is not in accordance with the standard duty of care. They should also thoroughly evaluate your complaints with sincerity and urgency so that your symptoms can be handled. Doing so will decrease the likelihood that you will have a pregnancy with complications.

It not always possible for a doctor or medical professional to find the answer to your complaints, but he or she is required to try everything to help you get to the bottom of your symptoms. This can include bringing in a colleague to provide his or her insight or sending you to a specialist. Not providing adequate prenatal care that results in major complications can be constituted as medical negligence. If this happens to you, contact a personal injury attorney at firms like Gartner Law Firm to see if you potentially have a case.


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