Risks Involved in a Premature Birth

Most babies are born between the 37th and 40th week of pregnancy. This is considered full-term. Babies who are born a few weeks early generally don't suffer problems. However, that risk changes the earlier the baby is delivered.

The more premature the baby is, the more complications there can be. This is why if premature labor can be avoided, it should. A premature baby can suffer serious problems, including death.

Early prenatal care can help prevent a premature birth. However, if there was any negligence of the doctor or another healthcare provider, they could potentially be held liable.

The causes aren't always known. Some women are more likely to experience a premature birth, which is why doctors need to carefully monitor them. This includes those carrying multiple babies, along with teens and older women.

Certain medical conditions can also increase the risk of a premature birth, such as a sexually transmitted disease or an infection in the mother that has not been treated.

Women who have previously delivered a baby prematurely or have health complications could also be at risk. Conditions such as preeclampsia, eclampsia, heart disease, significantly elevated blood pressure and kidney disease are some examples.

Doctors should be aware of these potential causes for a premature birth and take steps to prevent it. While premature labor can't always be avoided, close monitoring and addressing health needs could make a huge difference.

Complications of a Premature Birth

Babies born too early can suffer from a number of complications including:

    underdeveloped organs;
    breathing/feeding difficulties;
    irregular blood sugar levels;
    seizures;
    low oxygen levels;
    bleeding in the brain;
    infections;
    learning disorders;
    irregular body temperature;
    underdeveloped immune system;
    jaundice;
    developmental problems; and
    death.

Some of these complications can be treated and the child will grow and develop as they should. However, other times certain complications may lead to impairments in development, learning and vision. A child may also develop cerebral palsy.

Treating a patient who is at risk for a premature birth is vital. The doctor should take appropriate steps to manage the mother and if there is a premature birth, the child as well.

When there is any indication that the doctor or another healthcare provider acted in a negligent manner, you should consult with a birth injury lawyer. A lawyer can explain if you have a valid claim, what legal options are available and what types of damages you may be eligible to seek.

Don't delay as you may be running out of time. Birth injury claims may have a time limit in which they can be filed.


Article Source: Vern Otte