Placenta Previa Attorneys in St. Louis, Missouri
At The Gogel Law Firm, our St. Louis birth injury attorneys know that most physicians take proper preventive measures to ensure their patients — both moms and babies — make it through the delivery process as seamlessly as possible.
However, our medical malpractice lawyers in St. Louis, Missouri also know that failing to diagnose placenta previa, or the need for cesarean delivery because of the medical condition, can lead to severe injuries to both mother and baby.
If you or your baby were hurt because your physician failed to act, we want to hear how your injuries have impacted your lives, so we can help you pursue the legal remedy you deserve.
Contact us today to learn more about your legal rights and options to hold the liable medical party responsible for your damages.
What is Placenta Previa?
Placenta previa is a condition during pregnancy where the placenta blocks all or part of the cervix, obstructing the baby’s exit during vaginal birth. The most common symptom is vaginal bleeding in the second half of pregnancy.
Placenta previa occurs in about 1 in 200 pregnancies and can be detected and diagnosed during an ultrasound. Women who have the medical condition typically require caesarean delivery.
There are several types of placenta previa, which include:
- Marginal Placenta Previa
Marginal placenta previa occurs when the placenta is positioned at the edge of your cervix, touching it, but not covering it.
- Partial Placenta Previa
Partial Placenta Previa occurs when the placenta partially covers the cervix.
- Complete or Total Placenta Previa
Complete or total placenta previa occurs when the placenta is completely covering the cervix, blocking your vagina.
Each type of placenta previa can cause vaginal bleeding during pregnancy and labor, which is why timely cesarean delivery is important to both the mother and baby’s well-being.
What are the Potential Complications of Placenta Previa?
Placenta previa exposes both the mother and the baby to serious medical risks.
For the mother, complications from placenta previa may include:
- Bleeding: Severe bleeding can occur during pregnancy, labor, or delivery.
- Blood loss: Anemia, low blood pressure, pale skin, or shortness of breath are all side effects of losing too much blood.
- Early birth via cesarean delivery before 40 weeks.
- Placenta accreta: The placenta grows too deeply in the wall of your uterus, which can cause severe bleeding after delivery.
- Placental abruption: The placenta separates from the uterus before your baby is born, decreasing the baby’s supply of oxygen and nutrients.
For the baby, complications from placenta previa may include:
- Premature birth due to severe bleeding, and the need for an emergency C-section.
- Low birth weight: Trouble staying warm and poor weight gain.
- Respiratory issues: Underdeveloped lungs caused by a premature birth could make breathing more difficult.
If you or your baby suffered complications due to placenta previa while giving birth in Missouri, contact our St. Louis birth injury lawyer today to review your case by calling (314) 370-8173 or online to schedule a free consultation.
