5 OBGYN Mistakes That Can Lead to Medical Malpractice

Obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN) focuses on women's reproductive health. OBGYNs are responsible for providing comprehensive care to women during pregnancy, childbirth, and throughout their reproductive years.

However, like with any medical professional, OBGYNs are susceptible to making medical mistakes during your care. Unfortunately, those mistakes can have serious consequences for their patients. If you feel that you've suffered harm due to a medical mistake by your OBGYN during your pregnancy, read the list below. Here are five OBGYN mistakes that can lead to medical malpractice. 

Failure to Diagnose Complications

One serious mistake your OBGYN can make is failing to diagnose or treat complications during your pregnancy. Failure to diagnose or treat complications can include issues like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or placental abruption.

Failing to identify and treat these conditions can cause serious harm to you and your baby. If your OBGYN has failed to diagnose or treat a pregnancy-related compilation, speak to an attorney right away. You could have a medical malpractice claim against your OBGYN. 

Surgical Errors During a C-Section

Cesarean sections (C-sections) are common surgical procedures. In fact, many births in the United States are by C-section. C-sections are usually performed by OBGYNs when vaginal delivery is not possible, or when a vaginal delivery would pose a risk to you or your baby.

However, surgical errors during C-sections can lead to severe complications and even death. Mistakes can include improper incisions, organ damage, or infections. These mistakes can occur due to negligence or lack of surgical skills.

Inadequate Labor Monitoring

During labor and delivery, your OBGYN should provide continuous monitoring for you and your baby. Fetal monitoring ensures the well-being of your baby. This monitoring makes sure that your baby is receiving sufficient oxygen. It also ensures that your baby isn't in distress. Failure to properly monitor the fetal heart rate or to check for signs of distress can result in birth injuries or even stillbirth. Your OBGYN should also monitor your condition during labor.

Maternal monitoring can identify things like high blood pressure, heart conditions, and placental conditions like placental abruption. If you or your baby have suffered injuries due to inadequate monitoring during labor, don't wait to seek legal help. 

Lack of Communication

Proper communication between you and your OBGYN is essential during your pregnancy. Good communication ensures informed decision-making. Failure to provide you with information about the risks, benefits, and alternatives of a particular procedure can lead to medical malpractice. 

Your OBGYN needs to ensure that you understand your options. That way, you can actively participate in the decision-making process. Communication ensures that you're well-informed when you give your consent for procedures and treatment during your pregnancy. 

Prescription Errors

If you're prescribed medication during your pregnancy, your OBGYN needs to ensure that it's safe for you and your baby. That means your OBGYN needs to assess the potential risks and benefits of each medication. They should also take your health into account and how the medication will impact your developing fetus.

Incorrect dosages or prescribing medications that can interact with each other can cause serious complications for both you and your baby. If you suffered a prescription medication compilation during your pregnancy, you may have a medical malpractice claim against your OBGYN.

If you or your baby sustained injuries during labor and delivery, call The Law Offices of Janice Maloney right away. Our firm is here to answer any questions you might have about filing a medical malpractice claim against your OBGYN. We can also provide guidance on how to protect your malpractice claim and support you during the legal process. We are here to assist you in your time of need.