Free Case Evaluation
South Carolina Medical Malpractice Attorneys Handling Cases Involving Placenta Previa in Expectant Mothers
Tough advocacy for mothers and children harmed by medical negligence in Anderson, Rock Hill, Columbia, Sumter, and Georgetown
Placenta previa happens when the placenta covers the cervix during pregnancy. The covering can be marginal, partial, or full. While placenta previa is rare, OB/GYNs should anticipate it because it poses severe dangers for both the mother and baby. If it is not diagnosed or proper treatment is not given, the mother or child could die. Children who survive may have to live with permanent health problems.
At McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC, our South Carolina placenta previa attorneys help mothers and families hold healthcare providers accountable for obstetrical malpractice. Our lawyers are adept at filing negligence claims against doctors, nurses, hospitals, midwives and other pregnancy providers.
Free Case Evaluation
The causes and risks of placenta previa
In a normal pregnancy, the placenta moves in relation to the growing womb. At the start of the pregnancy, the placenta is in the bottom of the womb. As the pregnancy progresses, it should move to the top of the womb. The placenta provides the oxygen and nourishment the fetus needs to survive. In placenta previa, the placenta does not move properly and blocks part, or all, of the cervix in the bottom of the womb.
Fast facts about the condition
In a nutshell, here is what you should know:
- The causes. Causes include various uterine factors such as prior scarring due to a previous C-section. Other causes include smoking, carrying multiple children, or even living in high altitudes.
- Risk factors. The risk of placenta previa increases if the mother is 35 or older, has had prior children, has had a previous placenta previa, has had an induced abortion, or has diabetes.
- Types of placenta previa. There are three main types of placenta previa:
- Marginal. Here the placenta doesn't cover the cervix but it does stay near the cervix.
- Partial. The placenta partially covers the cervix.
- Complete. The placenta fully covers the cervix.
- Symptoms. The main symptom is sudden vaginal bleeding. Cramps may occur. Bleeding may stop for days or weeks and then return. Not every mother with placenta previa bleeds. Mothers who bleed can bleed 20 weeks after conception or when the labor starts.
If you or a loved one has suffered from placenta previa due to medical malpractice, our South Carolina birth injury lawyers can help get the justice you deserve.
Placenta previa treatments
If the placenta previa condition is not treated properly, newborns may be delivered before their organs fully mature, which can cause many different types of physical and emotional problems for the child's entire life. These problems include low birth weight, congenital abnormalities, respiratory problems, and anemia. Poor treatment can lead to the death of the mother or the child. Mothers can be at risk for shock and bleeding. They may require a hysterectomy.
The treatment varies from mother to mother. Factors include the type of placenta previa, the severity of the bleeding, and the health of the mother and child. Complete placenta previa most always requires a Caesarian – generally after 36 weeks gestation. Normal delivery may be possible for partial or marginal placenta previa. The severity of the bleeding and the amount of coverage are key factors the doctor must consider when choosing a C-section or normal delivery.
There are other treatment options doctors should consider, including medications, steroid shots, blood transfusions, and Rhogam shots. Rhogam shots are used when the blood type is Rh negative.
Determining OB negligence in South Carolina
Our South Carolina placenta previa attorneys advise clients on medical negligence. We review if the doctors and others:
- Failed to properly diagnose placenta previa
- Failed to monitor the mother and child once placenta previa was diagnosed
- Attempted a normal delivery when a C-section should have been performed
- Delayed doing a C-section
- Failed to order proper tests, such as ultrasounds
- Failed to take a proper history from the mother
If you doctor or other medical professional behaved negligently and caused you harm, we can help.
Get help for OB malpractice in South Carolina today
The South Carolina medical malpractice lawyers at McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC, are ready to fight for mothers, children, and families harmed by medical negligence. For more than 20 years, our lawyers have represented clients in or near Anderson, Rock Hill, Columbia, Sumter, and Georgetown when doctors, nurses, and medical providers fail to provide proper care. Placenta previa is a well-known risk of pregnancy. It is inexcusable that doctors should fail to anticipate it and fail to treat it competently. To schedule a free case evaluation, please call 803-327-7800 or complete our contact form.