Placental abruption is a serious pregnancy emergency. It occurs when the placenta separates from the uterus too early, before the baby is born. The placenta gives the baby oxygen and nutrients. When it separates too soon, both the mother and baby can face danger. In Chicago hospitals, doctors and nurses train to watch for the warning signs. When staff miss or ignore those signs, tragic results can follow.
What is placental abruption?
Placental abruption may cause heavy vaginal bleeding, severe stomach pain, back pain or constant contractions. Some women feel a firm or tender belly. Others notice that the baby is not moving as much as before.
Doctors diagnose this by checking symptoms, monitoring the baby’s heart rate and using ultrasound imaging. If the baby shows signs of distress, medical teams must deliver the baby quickly. In Illinois, hospitals like Northwestern Memorial often follow a 30-minute rule for emergency C-sections, though doctors often need to act even faster to prevent brain injury or stillbirth.
What happens when warning signs are ignored?
When medical staff do not respond quickly, the placenta can continue to separate. This reduces oxygen to the baby. A lack of oxygen can lead to brain damage or conditions like cerebral palsy. The mother may also suffer severe bleeding. When providers ignore signs like abnormal fetal heart rates, they delay lifesaving treatment.
Why speaking with an attorney may help
When a birth injury happens, families often feel overwhelmed. In Illinois, medical malpractice laws are strict. To start a case, the law requires a qualified doctor to review the records and sign a Certificate of Merit. This step shows the case has a legal basis.
An attorney who handles medical malpractice in Chicago can help coordinate this medical review. Families must act quickly because Illinois enforces a Statute of Repose. While some birth injury claims have longer windows, waiting too long can block a claim. Speaking with a lawyer gives families the information they need to make informed decisions about their child’s future.