Postpartum Hemorrhage Injury

Birth Injury Lawyers in Texas

It is normal for women in labor to experience bleeding as the body prepares for the separation of the placenta from the uterus. Unfortunately, there are times when the bleeding becomes excessive and the woman loses much more than is considered normal. If this happens, it is important for the doctor to provide immediate treatment to limit blood loss.

If the mother bleeds excessively, this is referred to as a postpartum hemorrhage. It occurs in roughly 6% of births, and if it happens within the first 24 hours of delivery, it is referred to early — or immediate or primary — postpartum hemorrhage. Any excessive bleeding that occurs within a few days or weeks of delivery is called late — or delated or secondary — postpartum hemorrhage. The severity of this condition varies, but it is always the doctor’s job to ensure that it doesn’t threaten the mother’s health.

Want to schedule a free case evaluation? Call (214) 307-6307 today.

Common Causes of Postpartum Hemorrhage

Because bleeding is a normal part of the delivery process, understanding the causes for postpartum hemorrhage and excessive bleeding is important. It is also crucial to know what is considered excessive. Most often, when there are issues involving excessive bleeding, the mother may experience a change in blood pressure and pulse. This is the time the doctor should detect the abnormality and take the appropriate steps to treat it.

Some of the most common causes of postpartum hemorrhage include:

• Deep lacerations in the vagina or perineum
• Episiotomy
• Inverted or ruptured uterus
• Systemic blood clotting

If a woman developed systemic blood clotting, it may have been a result of a serious birth injury such as placental abruption, severe preeclampsia, or HELLP syndrome. Severe bleeding during birth may also be caused by placenta accreta or placenta previa. Placenta previa means that the placenta is located unusually low within the uterus. If you have placenta accreta, it means that the placenta is deeply embedded in the uterine wall. These are all serious situations that must be monitored throughout the pregnancy.

Does My Situation Qualify for a Claim?

Unfortunately, not all women who suffer from postpartum hemorrhage have legal options. For some, the damage is short term and may not warrant a claim for compensation. In other situations, some of which can cause long-term damage, there may be legal remedies.

At Aldous \ Walker, our Texas birth injury attorneys would be more than happy to discuss with you and explain what options you may have. We work hard to protect the rights of our clients after they were harmed by negligence. Oftentimes, postpartum hemorrhage may be caused by doctor or nurse error.

If you believe you have a claim, call our firm today at (214) 307-6307.