Sepsis After Childbirth May Be a Sign of Medical Malpractice

 Posted on March 29, 2022 in Maternal Injuries

Pregnancy and childbirth are difficult processes that present significant dangers to Illinois women. Certain behaviors from a woman’s obstetric healthcare providers, such as negligence or malpractice, can seriously compound these dangers to the point that women may suffer from life-threatening injuries and maternal mortality. 

One leading cause of maternal mortality is that of maternal sepsis - a dangerous infection that generally begins in a woman’s uterus and triggers a full-body immune response system severe enough to injure organs and other bodily tissues. While sepsis is generally more dangerous to women who already suffer from other health issues, it can injure and kill healthy women as well. If a woman you love has been injured or killed by sepsis after childbirth because of medical malpractice, you may want to meet with an experienced Illinois maternal mortality attorney. 

How Common is Maternal Sepsis? 

While maternal sepsis is fairly rare, it is common enough around the world and even in developed countries that the World Health Organization has placed special focus on procedures that will help recognize and eliminate cases. While maternal sepsis is only estimated to occur in .04 percent of American pregnancies, it accounts for 23 percent of maternal deaths. Because some women suffer from sepsis several weeks after childbirth and do not die in a hospital setting, these numbers likely do not reflect the true prevalence of sepsis-related maternal mortality. 

What Are Common Risk Factors For Maternal Sepsis? 

The process of childbirth is a traumatic experience for the female body and additional risk factors need not necessarily be present for maternal sepsis to occur. However, certain conditions place a mother at higher risk of contracting sepsis, including: 

• Diabetes and obesity
• A patient history of immunity disorders 
• Being pregnant with multiples 
• C-Section delivery
• Prolonged labor
• Cervical sutures
• Failure to eliminate all placental discharge

Doctors and other medical staff must be aware of patient risk factors and be on the lookout for potential signs of sepsis. Treatment is most effective when it is given as soon as possible. Possible symptoms of sepsis include, but are not limited to: 

• Vaginal bleeding or hemorrhaging
• Increased heart rate
• A sense of impending doom
• Fever and chills
• Dizziness and nausea
• Severe lower abdominal pain
• Foul-smelling abdominal or vaginal discharge 

Schedule a Consultation With a Chicago, IL Maternal Injuries Lawyer

Nobody should have his or her life put at risk because of a doctor’s negligent or irresponsible behavior. If you or someone you love suffered from a septic infection after childbirth, consider meeting with an experienced Chicago maternal injuries lawyer. You may be eligible to recover damages for your pain and suffering, as well as for the medical expenses you incurred. At Birth Injury Law Alliance, Ltd., we offer free and confidential consultations so you can ask questions in a risk-free environment. Call us now at 312-462-4200. 

Sources: 

https://www.who.int/reproductivehealth/maternal-sepsis/en/ 

https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Risk-factors-for-sepsis-in-obstetrics_tbl2_51877800 

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2749204