Common pregnancy complications in the U.S.

Recent reports have unearthed some serious concerns about maternal mortality in the United States. A six-month long investigation conducted by NPR and Pro Publica discovered the U.S. has the worst record for maternal mortality compared to any other developed country in the world.

What are common complications that lead to injury during pregnancy? Two of the most common complications during pregnancy in the United States often include:

• High blood pressure. High blood pressure occurs when the arteries that carry blood throughout the body are narrowed. This can make it difficult for blood to reach the placenta and nourish the growing fetus. The National Institute of Health’s (NIH) National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) recommends constant monitoring and, in some cases, medication to manage high blood pressure during pregnancy to reduce the risk of injury.
• Gestational diabetes. This occurs when a woman who did not have diabetes develops the disease during pregnancy. It results in the body’s inability to make or use insulin properly, ultimately reducing the body’s ability to change food into energy. Instead, sugar builds up in the mother’s body and results in high blood sugar. It is important to manage gestational diabetes with a treatment plan tailored to the patient’s needs.

A failure to properly monitor these common pregnancy complications can result in injury or death.

Are there remedies for victims who suffer from injuries due to a medical professional’s failure to treat these complications? Whether injured during labor and delivery or fighting for the memory of a loved one who succumbed to her injuries while birthing a child, legal remedies are available for those who are injured during the birthing process due to a medical professional’s negligent or reckless actions. Contact an attorney experienced in birth injury and pregnancy-related injury cases to discuss your options.