Postpartum Hemorrhage Is a Life-Threatening Condition

The postpartum period, following labor and delivery, is a crucial time that requires careful attention and proper medical care for both newborns and mothers. Unfortunately, when healthcare providers neglect their responsibilities in providing adequate postpartum care, the consequences can be severe. Mothers and their newborns may suffer from serious illnesses or injuries, including the risk of postpartum hemorrhage, due to the failure of doctors, midwives, or hospital staff to meet the expected standard of care.

What is postpartum hemorrhage?

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs after childbirth, characterized by excessive bleeding. It is a significant concern for new mothers and healthcare providers alike due to its potential complications and the risk it poses to the mother’s well-being. Each year, 14 million women suffer from postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), with the condition proving to be fatal for around 70,000 of those women.

Postpartum hemorrhage is defined as blood loss of 500 milliliters or more within 24 hours after vaginal delivery or blood loss of 1,000 milliliters or more after a cesarean section. It is estimated that approximately 1-5% of women experience postpartum hemorrhage, making it a relatively common complication of childbirth. Prompt identification and management are essential to prevent severe blood loss, which can lead to hypovolemic shock, organ failure, and even death if left untreated.

While postpartum hemorrhage can occur naturally, medical errors and malpractice can also contribute to its development and severity. Understanding the causes, consequences, and the role of medical negligence in postpartum hemorrhage is crucial for promoting awareness and ensuring safe and effective maternity care.

What can cause postpartum hemorrhage?

There are several factors that can contribute to postpartum hemorrhage, both natural and iatrogenic (caused by medical interventions). Some of these causes include:

• Uterine atony. This is the most common cause of PPH. Uterine atony occurs when the uterus fails to contract effectively after delivery, leading to prolonged bleeding. Factors such as a large baby, multiple pregnancies, or rapid labor can increase the risk of uterine atony.
• Retained placental tissue. If fragments of the placenta or membranes remain in the uterus after delivery, it can prevent proper uterine contraction and result in excessive bleeding. This can occur due to incomplete placental expulsion or improper examination of the placenta after birth.
• Uterine rupture. In rare cases, the uterine wall may tear during labor or delivery, causing severe bleeding. Uterine rupture is more likely to occur in women who have had previous uterine surgery, such as a cesarean section.
• Placenta previa. Placenta previa is a condition where the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix. During delivery, the placenta can detach prematurely, leading to bleeding. Placenta previa is usually diagnosed before delivery and requires careful management to prevent complications.
• Coagulation disorders. Certain medical conditions or medications can impair the body’s ability to form blood clots properly. Women with pre-existing clotting disorders or those who receive anticoagulant therapy during pregnancy may be at a higher risk of postpartum hemorrhage.
• Traumatic birth. In cases of instrumental delivery (such as forceps or vacuum extraction), there is a higher risk of vaginal or perineal tears that can cause significant bleeding. Additionally, extensive tearing or lacerations during childbirth can contribute to postpartum hemorrhage.

It’s important to note that these are just a few examples of potential causes of postpartum hemorrhage. Each case is unique, and other factors, such as maternal health conditions or complications during labor, can also contribute to the development of PPH. Prompt recognition, proper management, and skilled medical care are crucial in preventing and treating postpartum hemorrhage to ensure the safety and well-being of both the mother and the baby.

How can medical negligence and malpractice lead to postpartum hemorrhage?

One common cause of medical error-related postpartum hemorrhage is improper management of labor and delivery. Inadequate monitoring of the mother’s vital signs, failure to recognize signs of uterine atony, or delayed response to excessive bleeding can all contribute to the development of postpartum hemorrhage. For instance, failure to administer prophylactic medications to prevent excessive bleeding or not having the necessary emergency equipment readily available in the delivery room can increase the risk of complications.

Surgical errors during cesarean sections can also lead to postpartum hemorrhage. Inaccurate incisions, improper suturing techniques, or failure to control bleeding during the procedure can result in significant blood loss. Additionally, errors in medication administration, such as incorrect dosages or failure to administer uterotonic drugs to promote uterine contractions, can contribute to postpartum hemorrhage.

Negligence in prenatal care can also play a role in postpartum hemorrhage. Inadequate monitoring of the mother’s health during pregnancy, failure to identify and address pre-existing conditions that increase the risk of bleeding, or improper management of complications can all contribute to postpartum hemorrhage. For example, failure to diagnose and manage placenta previa or placental abruption (premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall) can result in significant bleeding during delivery.

Healthcare providers have a duty to provide clear and accurate communication to patients regarding the risks, warning signs, and appropriate steps to take in case of postpartum hemorrhage. Failure to inform patients about potential complications, neglecting to address concerns or questions, or providing inadequate instructions on when and how to seek immediate medical attention can contribute to delays in seeking care and exacerbate the severity of postpartum hemorrhage.

In cases where medical errors or malpractice contribute to postpartum hemorrhage, affected individuals may have grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit. To establish a successful claim, it is crucial to demonstrate that the healthcare provider breached the standard of care expected of them, resulting in harm to the patient. Expert testimony from obstetricians or other medical professionals can be instrumental in establishing the connection between the provider’s negligence and the occurrence of postpartum hemorrhaging. If you have been injured due to your medical team’s malpractice or negligence, it is important that you contact a lawyer to ensure you are compensated for your pain, suffering, and medical bills.

Please contact Paulson & Nace, PLLC by calling our office or by filling out this contact form.

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