Every pregnancy is unique to the person and the circumstances involved, and the same mother can experience very different pregnancies with each child. Some pregnancies, however, are labeled as high risk, and they require more exacting health care. All other pregnancies are deemed low-risk by default, but lower-risk is more accurate.
The bottom line is that any pregnancy can turn high-risk at any moment, and proceeding accordingly is always the safest course of action. If you or your baby suffered an injury due to negligence on the part of the attending doctor or of the medical facility itself, reach out to our experienced birth injury lawyers in Harrisburg, PA.
If Your Pregnancy is Labeled High-Risk,There’s a Reason
Medical professionals label pregnancies as high-risk when there is a reason for doing so. Still, it doesn’t necessarily mean that your pregnancy or delivery will be any more complicated or dangerous than anyone else’s.
You may, however, need to meet with specialists and undergo more monitoring throughout your pregnancy. In other words, the term high-risk is applied to help ensure you receive the specialized care needed to deliver a healthy baby safely.
Low-Risk Pregnancies
If your pregnancy isn’t identified as a high-risk pregnancy, it falls into the category of low-risk. Again, all pregnancies involve risk and require specialized care. If you’re not in the high-risk group, it means that no specific high-risk factors apply to your pregnancy so far, but receiving regular prenatal care is a must.
Conditions that Generally Make Pregnancies High-Risk
There are a range of conditions that often make pregnancy high-risk, and some of the most common include:
- Preeclampsia, which refers to having high blood pressure as well as protein in one’s urine – along with swelling or edema – is a condition that requires close monitoring
- Obesity, which increases the risk of developing diabetes, preeclampsia, and hypertension during pregnancy
- Diabetes, which can increase the health risk to both mother and child
- Hypertension, which is a common medical concern during pregnancy that can lead to serious complications
- STDs, which can lead to dangerous health concerns that include pre-term labor, miscarriage, and low birth weight
- Multiples, which come with an increased risk of complications
- The mother’s age, which correlates with increased risk as it rises beyond 35
Your Doctor’s Responsibility to You and Your Baby’s Health
In Pennsylvania, doctors are held to an exacting standard that requires them to employ the same level of care that their professional peers would under similar circumstances. This is the level of care you are owed throughout your pregnancy – whether high- or low-risk. When doctors deviate from the standards accepted by the medical profession, they can be held responsible for any resulting injuries and loss.
You Need an Experienced Harrisburg Birth Injury Attorney in Your Corner
The resourceful Harrisburg birth injury lawyers at Marzella & Associates recognize the immense significance of proper care during pregnancy. They are committed to unfailing advocacy if you or your child are harmed by medical malpractice. Our knowledgeable legal team encourages you to contact us for more information or call us at 717-876-8681 to schedule a free consultation today.