We hear the term “high-risk pregnancy” often, but do you know what it means? A high-risk pregnancy is any pregnancy in which you or your baby are at risk of developing a range of health conditions. A physician handling a high-risk pregnancy will need to remain diligent in monitoring and diagnosing issues as they arise.
In this article, our Harrisburg medical malpractice lawyers discuss the factors that contribute to a high-risk pregnancy and what situations your physician may be held accountable for any complications.
What Factors Make a Pregnancy High-Risk?
The following factors may lead to a high-risk pregnancy:
Age
Women younger than 20 or older than 35 can have high-risk pregnancies because they often experience more health complications.
Lifestyle
If you drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes, tobacco, vape, or use illegal drugs, you will be considered to have a high-risk pregnancy.
Health Problems
The following medical conditions may put your pregnancy at risk:
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Epilepsy
- Thyroid disease
- Heart or blood disorders
- Poorly controlled asthma
- Infections
Pregnancy Complications
If you have any of the following health problems, your pregnancy may be considered at risk:
- Unusual location of the placenta
- Fetal growth restriction (overall fetal growth or fetal abdominal size is less than the 10th percentile for gestational age)
- Rh incompatibility: Occurs when a mother’s blood group is Rh negative and the infant’s blood group is Rh positive. Your immune system will react to this Rh incompatibility by creating antibodies. If the father is Rh positive or if his blood type is unknown, physicians will administer an injection of RhoGAM during the second trimester and a few days post-delivery. Rh incompatibility is not a concern until a woman’s second or subsequent pregnancy, in which an infant will be at risk for developing a blood disorder known as Hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN).
Pregnancy with Multiples
When a woman is carrying two or more fetuses, she is at risk for developing diabetes and high blood pressure. Pregnancy involving multiples is more common in women who have gone through infertility treatments.
Pregnancy History
If you had complications during a previous pregnancy, your current pregnancy will also be considered high-risk. These complications include:
- Preeclampsia
- Preterm delivery
- A baby that is born with a genetic condition
- Having a miscarriage or stillbirth
Accountability of Medical Professionals
If your pregnancy is high-risk, it is the responsibility of your healthcare provider to monitor your pregnancy closely and take intervention when necessary. If your OB/GYN believes you should consult a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, they are responsible for recommending this.
Most of us do not have extensive medical knowledge; we only know what we can research online. Suppose your baby or you have suffered any injuries because of improper care. In that case, your medical provider should be held accountable for the medical bills and other losses that you have incurred.
Reach Out to a Harrisburg Medical Malpractice Lawyer Now
If you were provided negligent care by a physician during a high-risk pregnancy, you may be entitled to compensation. Our Harrisburg medical malpractice lawyers have assisted hundreds of clients in navigating the complex nature of malpractice claims. To schedule your free consultation, contact us online or by phone today.