New Mothers Are at Risk of Injury Within the First Year After Birth

 Posted on June 12, 2023 in Maternal Injuries

Even though the process of pregnancy and childbirth is experienced by women all over the world, it can still be risky for mothers. Various maternal injuries can occur during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and in the months following a child's birth. While medical professionals are often focused on addressing complications that occur during pregnancy and responding to issues that affect mothers during and immediately after delivery, recent research has found that many mothers continue to be affected by health concerns within the first year after a child is born. In fact, only around one-third of maternal deaths occur during pregnancy or delivery. One-third of deaths take place within six weeks after delivery, and another 30 percent of deaths occur between six weeks and one year. For every death that occurs, between 50 and 100 mothers suffer from serious complications that lead to long-term health issues.

Causes of Maternal Injuries

There are numerous health concerns that can affect new mothers. The strain placed on the body by pregnancy, labor, and delivery can affect multiple bodily systems, and the symptoms of injuries may not make themselves known until several weeks or months after a child is born. Some common health issues that new mothers often face include:

• Heart conditions - Cardiovascular issues can present serious risks to new mothers due to the strain placed on the heart during pregnancy. High blood pressure is a common issue that can occur, and it can lead to damage to multiple organs throughout the body. In the most serious cases, mothers may experience heart failure, which can be life-threatening.

• Strokes - For new mothers, heart disease, blood clots, or other issues can affect blood flow to the brain, potentially leading to strokes. These issues can cause long-term physical and cognitive impairments, potentially leading to paralysis or even death if prompt treatment is not provided. Strokes can also lead to complications such as seizures, difficulty speaking, and vision problems.

• Infections - During pregnancy and childbirth, mothers are at risk of developing infections in the uterus or other reproductive organs. These can lead to severe pain, swelling, and fever. In some cases, infections may spread to other parts of the body, leading to complications such as sepsis, organ failure, or even death if the proper treatment is not provided. If infections are not diagnosed and treated following delivery, they may progress and cause harm to multiple parts of the body in the subsequent weeks and months.

• Post-partum depression - Many new mothers are affected by this serious psychiatric condition. Symptoms can include feelings of sadness, anxiety, anger, or guilt. In some cases, post-partum depression can lead to thoughts of self-harm or even suicide. If this condition is not recognized and treated correctly, mothers may experience serious issues that could affect their ongoing health and well-being.

The health system in the United States is usually focused on providing the best possible care for newborn children and addressing any issues that could lead to injuries or health concerns. Issues that affect mothers are often treated with less urgency, and complications and symptoms of ongoing issues may not be recognized until they have progressed to the point where they threaten a mother's life or cause serious health concerns. To prevent problems that could have long-term effects, mothers should receive checkups within the first few weeks after delivery, and they should be examined thoroughly to ensure that any concerns can be recognized and that the proper treatment can be provided.

Contact Our Chicago Maternal Injury Lawyers

Mothers deserve to be treated with respect and receive the proper care and treatment during pregnancy, childbirth, and in the subsequent weeks and months. Unfortunately, there are far too many situations where medical professionals fail to recognize serious symptoms or do not provide mothers with the proper treatment to prevent long-term health issues. At Birth Injury Law Alliance, Ltd., we can help families determine their options following a maternal injury, and we can provide guidance on the resources that are available and the options for addressing a lack of proper medical care. Contact our Illinois maternal birth injury attorneys to arrange a free consultation and get effective, compassionate assistance with these issues.