NJ Placental Abruption Attorneys

Placental Abruption (Apruptio Placentae)

A woman’s body goes through many changes during pregnancy. The placenta which develops during pregnancy, and which is a connection between mother and baby, is a significant part of the fetal life-support system; transporting nutrient and oxygen rich blood from the mother to the fetus. In addition, the placenta produces important hormones for pregnancy and acts as a filter to remove fetal waste products.

Most women are fortunate enough to not experience any problems prenatally or during the birth process. However, in some cases, a woman may experience placental abruption, where the placenta either partially or completely separates from the uterus.

The American Pregnancy Association has indicated that placental abruption affects only about 1% of all pregnant women and can be successfully treated. Placental abruption is typically seen in the third trimester; however, the placenta can separate either partially or completely from the uterine lining any time after the 20th week of pregnancy. Placental abruption is an extremely serious condition which requires immediate medical attention. If an abrupted placenta is not timely diagnosed or treated, both the mother and the baby may suffer permanent injuries.

A damaged or abrupted placenta can deprive the baby of nutrients and oxygen, which can cause premature delivery, low blood pressure, brain damage, underdevelopment, or death. Additionally, the mother can suffer from a large amount of blood loss, severe pain, uterine scarring, blood clotting disorders, shock, death, and possibly the need for a hysterectomy.

Placental Abruption Symptoms and Causes

Mild to severe vaginal bleeding can be an indication of an abrupted placenta. Other symptoms include but are not limed to: pelvic/abdominal cramps and pain, fetal heart rate abnormalities, premature labor, rapid contractions, uterine tenderness, unusual back pain, signs of maternal shock, decreased fetal movement, and severe nausea. Healthcare providers are now aware of particular risk factors which may make one more susceptible to an abruption. Some of the factors that can put a mother at higher risk of having an abrupted placenta include: drug or alcohol use during pregnancy, blood clot disorder, maternal age over 35, an overabundance of amniotic fluid, physical trauma during pregnancy (such as a fall or being in an accident), having numerous other pregnancies, high blood pressure, previous pregnancy complications including prior abruptions, and a history of a myomectomy.

When a pregnant woman suffers from an abrupted placenta, she and her family put their trust in doctors, midwives and nurses to exercise timely and proper care required to treat the condition. Unfortunately, sometimes a placental abruption is not timely diagnosed or treated as a result of negligent acts or omissions by healthcare providers.

At Blume Goldfaden, our skilled New Jersey birth injury lawyers have helped many clients cope with the profound effects of birth injuries related to medical negligence, including the financial consequences that often follow. Our experienced NJ placental abruption attorneys have the knowledge, experience and resources to fully evaluate and aggressively pursue claims related to birth injuries. Call us at 973-635-5400 for a no cost consultation.