Preeclampsia and similar diseases linked to high blood pressure in expectant mothers are some of the leading causes of maternal illness, maternal mortality, and birth injuries. In most cases, preeclampsia is detected when an expectant mother receives at least two blood pressure readings measured at higher than 140/90. While one high reading is insufficient to diagnose preeclampsia, a follow-up reading can be important to diagnose the problem.
Preeclampsia risk factors and treatment
High blood pressure readings may lead to additional tests, like urine analysis, ultrasounds, or blood tests. There are certain factors that may make preeclampsia more common, including the mother’s age, other illnesses, family history, and whether the pregnancy is the mother’s first. Some women with preeclampsia may be medicated while some may be monitored in a hospital, and labor may be induced for others.
When a doctor fails to diagnose preeclampsia despite the presence of noted risk factors or high blood pressure readings, this can amount to a dangerous form of medical negligence. In some cases, pregnant women may suffer serious harm to their health, and babies may be born with severe injuries. Victims of medical negligence may be able to pursue compensation for the harm they suffered due to a medical error.
