Placental Abruption Attorneys in Grand Rapids, Michigan

The placenta is an organ that develops inside the mother’s uterus to provide oxygen and nutrients to her growing baby.  It is normal for the placenta to separate from the uterus immediately after a baby is born.

Placental abruption is when the placenta detaches from the uterus before the baby is born.  When this happens, it deprives the baby of essential nutrients and oxygen.

Signs and symptoms of placental abruption include vaginal bleeding, pain in the mother’s belly or back, uterine cramping, uterine tenderness, fetal distress, or premature labor.

There are some risk factors associated with placental abruption, including:

• Older than 35
• Pregnant with multiple babies
• History of high blood pressure
• Previous abruption
• Pregnancy complications such as uterine infection, umbilical cord problems or high amount of amniotic fluid
• Smoking or drug use

When a mother calls her doctor to report signs and symptoms such as vaginal bleeding and severe back and belly pain, the doctor should recognize this as a potential placental abruption.  To confirm, the doctor should perform a physical exam to check for uterine tenderness or rigidity, monitor the fetal heart rate, order blood and urine tests and an ultrasound.

If the abruption is a small, partial abruption that is not severe, the baby is not full term, and the baby’s heartbeat is ok, the physician may admit the mother to the hospital for close monitoring.  Sometimes, the mother is given medication to help prepare the baby for an early delivery.

If the baby is near full term and the placental abruption is severe, the baby will likely be emergently delivered by c-section.

Placental abruption is a very serious complication of pregnancy.  It can cause serious injury to the baby and mother.

When the placenta detaches, the baby is deprived of oxygen. The longer the baby goes without oxygen, the more brain damage the baby suffers. The brain injury can result in devastating cognitive, physical, and developmental injuries, such as cerebral palsy.  If the baby is not delivered in time, the baby can die. According to the American Pregnancy Association, 15 percent of severe placental abruption cases result in the baby’s death.

Severe placental abruption can also result in devastating injury, or even death, to the mother.  If she has lost a significant amount of blood, she can go into shock.   She may also need a hysterectomy after the baby is delivered, which would prevent future pregnancies.

If you believe that you or a loved one suffered injury and damages due to negligence at the hands of medical professionals, contact Hoffer & Sheremet. The next steps would typically include the following:

• Gather and review medical records;
• Retain expert witnesses;
• Speak to treatment providers about your prognosis;
• Interview you and close loved ones regarding the impact the injury has had on your life;
• Calculate your medical expenses, out of pocket expenses, lost wages, loss of future earnings and other economic damages;
• Send a demand letter to the hospital and medical providers to attempt pre-suit settlement;
• Serve a Notice of Intent on the hospital and medical providers;
• At the expiration of the Notice of Intent waiting period, file the Complaint and Affidavit of Merit to initiate litigation;
• Conduct discovery;
• Handle motions, court proceedings, and facilitation;
• Try the case if there is no settlement.