Chorioamnionitis is a potentially serious medical condition that can – and generally should – be prevented with appropriate medical care during pregnancy. For pregnant women who experience chorioamnionitis, prompt treatment is critical, as any delays in treatment have the potential to significantly increase the risks to the mother and the fetus. Unfortunately, diagnostic and treatment errors are common, A Connecticut chorioamnionitis lawyer could help families recover just compensation for these potentially-dangerous maternal infections. Consult with a birth injury attorney today to learn more.
Chorioamnionitis is a maternal infection that can occur during pregnancy. The infection typically originates in the mother’s urinary tract before spreading to the uterus and often results from premature rupture of membranes (PROM) and premature preterm rupture of membranes (PPROM).
Adequate monitoring and testing during pregnancy are crucial to preventing chorioamnionitis. Due to the risks involved, doctors should also inform mothers of the types of symptoms that may require immediate treatment. Timely administration of appropriate antibiotics can be crucial as well, including the prophylactic administration of antibiotics in appropriate cases. Antibiotics commonly used to treat and prevent the spread of chorioamnionitis include erythromycin, azithromycin, and ampicillin.
In certain circumstances, the induction of labor and delivery may also be necessary to prevent maternal and fetal complications due to chorioamnionitis. This may be necessary, for example, if the amniotic sac is broken a significant amount of time prior to the anticipated date of natural birth.
The major symptom of chorioamnionitis is a fever. Other possible symptoms include:
Chorioamnionitis also has a number of potential risks for both the mother and the fetus. Maternal risks associated with chorioamnionitis include pelvic and abdominal infections, bacteremia, endometritis, blood clotting in the pelvis or in the lungs, and sepsis in severe cases. The fetal risk associated with chorioamnionitis include:
Brain damage and cerebral palsy caused by chorioamnionitis result from a reduced oxygen flow to the fetus’s brain in the womb. This is often due to a condition known as funisitis, in which the connective tissue of the umbilical cord becomes inflamed. This inflammation restricts blood flow; and, if not addressed promptly, the lack of oxygen flowing to the fetus’s brain can potentially cause permanent and irreparable harm
If chorioamnionitis is diagnosed early, treatment with antibiotics can be sufficient to protect both the mother and the fetus from the complications listed above. However, in some cases, induced labor may be necessary to mitigate the risks of the infection. After birth, the mother and the newborn may both need to receive antibiotics. If the newborn exhibits symptoms of any of the complications listed above, then his or her condition will need to be diagnosed promptly so that additional treatment can be provided as necessary.
For mothers who have been diagnosed with chorioamnionitis, seeking experienced legal representation can be an important part of the recovery process. Whether due to failure to diagnose or failure to treat, many cases of chorioamnionitis and other maternal and fetal infections are the result of medical malpractice during pregnancy, labor, and delivery.
At Berkowitz Hanna, we represent mothers and families throughout Connecticut in claims against their health care providers. While the financial costs of necessary medical care can be substantial, they will often pale in comparison to the emotional trauma, pain and suffering, and other non-financial losses that result from doctors’ mistakes. We help our clients recover full compensation for all of their losses resulting from negligent medical care, and we work closely with our clients throughout the process to make sure they have the information and resources they need during and after the recovery process.
As a medical malpractice law firm dedicated to handling birth injury cases, we have decades of experience helping mothers and families who have been affected by this potentially-dangerous infection. When you contact us for help, our Connecticut chorioamnionitis attorneys will:
Were you diagnosed with chorioamnionitis during your pregnancy? If so, we encourage you to get in touch. You deserve fair compensation for your losses that were caused by a provider’s negligence. To speak with an experienced Connecticut chorioamnionitis lawyer in confidence, contact us today.
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