Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension
Pregnancy-induced hypertension (also known as PIH) is a form of high blood pressure that occurs during pregnancy, which results in an increase in the resistance of the patient’s blood vessels. This could hinder blood flow in important areas of the body. PIH occurs in about 5 to 8 percent of all pregnancies. Common causes include preexisting hypertension, kidney disease, diabetes, mothers under the age of 20 or over the age of 40, and multiple fetuses.
Obstetricians, nurses and other medical staff are responsible for providing a reasonable standard of care for all expectant mothers, which includes monitoring and limiting complications related to PIH. If they fail in this responsibility, medical malpractice may have occurred. If you have questions regarding PIH or feel that your treatment was substandard, contact the Philadelphia birth injury lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C., by calling 215-238-1130 today.
Complications of Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension
Complications related to PIH (that can occur naturally or due to improper treatment) include the following:
- Hindered blood flow to liver, kidneys, brain, uterus and placenta
- Placental abruption
- Intrauterine growth restriction
- Stillbirth
- Seizures
- Death of the mother and/or fetus
If you start to notice increased blood pressure, protein in your urine, swelling, sudden weight gain, blurred vision, or nausea, you may have PIH and need to contact a doctor immediately. If your doctor is aware of your condition and does not treat you in the correct manner, you may have a case against him or her in a court of law. Medical malpractice is an alarmingly common occurrence in the medical profession, so it is important to fight back if it happens to you.
Contact Us
To learn more about pregnancy-induced hypertension and medical malpractice, contact the experienced Philadelphia birth injury attorneys of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C., by calling 215-238-1130 today.