Maternal Morbidity
June 6, 2018
Having a baby is one of the most joyful experiences in a new parent’s life. However, when something goes wrong, and the mother suffers from health complications postpartum, the situation can become quite serious very quickly. In the United States, a growing number of women who have just given birth are at an increased risk for serious heart conditions.
In fact, according to a recent study, close to 900 women are fatally injured each year from conditions related to pregnancy and childbirth. As a result, researchers recommend that all new moms be closely monitored for heart failure.
Researchers from the University of Illinois conducted a study which examined the incidence of heart failure in women ages 13 to 49. Using data from a national network database tool, which tracks inpatient hospitalizations around the country, the researchers hoped to gain a better understanding of the risk of heart failure in postpartum women. Approximately 50 million pregnancy-associated hospitalizations were analyzed in the study.
For routine pregnancies that result in routine deliveries, new moms are often sent home from the hospital within a day or two. Typically, they have a follow-up doctor’s appointment six weeks after the baby is born. If there are complications during the weeks following delivery, and they are not closely monitored, it can lead to serious, even fatal heart-related events.
Researchers found the following results from the study:
- From 2001 to 2011, the number of women diagnosed with heart failure, postpartum, increased by seven percent each year.
- Most complications occur prior to delivery. But when serious health issues arise after the baby is born, the complications are related to heart failure 60 percent of the time.
- Researchers recommend that all women who are at risk for cardiovascular complications be closely monitor throughout the postpartum period.
Peripartum Cardiomyopathy in New Moms
Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a relatively rare condition that can contribute to heart failure during the postpartum phase. The condition causes the heart to become enlarged, which can cause cardiac dysfunction. In some women, it can occur during the end of pregnancy, as well as the months following the birth.
Diabetes and high blood pressure can also cause cardiovascular complications.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of women who suffer fatal and non-fatal illnesses after giving birth continues to grow in this country. While they are not entirely clear about the exact cause, the following are some of the most common factors:
- Aneurysm
- Acute myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, ventricular fibrillation
- Stroke
- Sepsis
- Eclampsia
- Blood transfusion
Baltimore Medical Malpractice Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Victims of Medical Negligence
If you or a loved one suffered from postpartum cardiovascular complications that were not properly monitored by your physician, do not hesitate to contact the Baltimore medical malpractice lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. We will work tirelessly to determine who was responsible for your medical care throughout your pregnancy and during your delivery. If a medical professional failed to diagnose a potentially serious heart condition, we will seek the maximum financial compensation you deserve and ensure that your legal rights are protected at all times. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent medical malpractice victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.
