Epidural Complications
An epidural is an injection of anesthetic that obstetricians frequently use to alleviate some of the pain associated with childbirth. When a woman is in “true and active” labor and her cervix dilated four to five centimeters, she will be given the shot to assist her in the final process of labor and delivery. This procedure is extremely common, given to about 50 percent of women who give birth in a hospital setting.
Though the epidural is meant to make the delivery process easier for expectant mothers, sometimes the injection itself can lead to complications. If you have recently given birth and were injured following your epidural or believe that the medical professionals did not act in a responsible manner in providing you care, you should contact an attorney with experience in birth injuries to pursue your claim. To speak with the experienced Philadelphia birth injury attorneys of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C., call 215-238-1130 today.
Potentially Deadly Epidural Side Effects
The following complications or side effects could result after an epidural injection:
- Blood pressure drop.
- Severe headache due to a leak of the spinal fluid.
- Permanent nerve damage at the injection site.
- Fetal complications such as respiratory distress, malpositioning and quickening of fetal heart rate.
In addition, an epidural should not be given to a patient if the following conditions are evident:
- Patient is on blood thinners.
- Patient has a low platelet count.
- Patient is hemorrhaging or in shock.
- Patient is not dilated at least 4 centimeters.
- Patient has a blood infection.
- Physician cannot locate epidural space.
- Labor is proceeding too quickly for the epidural to be effective.
If your doctor administers an epidural with the above conditions present and complications arise because of it, you may be able to bring the doctor to court for a medical malpractice claim.
Contact Us
Medical malpractice can be difficult to prove, so it is imperative to seek the help of an experienced attorney to assist you with your claim. To learn more about birth injuries and your rights as a malpractice victim, contact the Philadelphia birth injury attorneys of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. at 215-238-1130 today.