A Preventable Tragedy: Addressing the Maternal Mortality Crisis and the Disproportionate Impact on Minority Mothers
The death of a new mother is a heartbreaking event, especially when it could have been prevented. The recent case of Abirami Goyal, who tragically bled to death at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center just hours after giving birth, highlights the urgent need for improved maternal care and greater accountability within the healthcare system. The […]
Hidden Holiday Hazards: Keeping Your Kids Safe This Season
The holidays are a time for joy, family, and making memories. But it’s essential to know the hidden dangers that can lurk beneath the festive cheer. Jeffrey Killino and his team of child and birth injury lawyers see the devastating consequences of preventable accidents all too often. Alarming Statistics from the CPSC The U.S. Consumer […]
Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (antenatal period)
Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (antenatal period) Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) is a condition that occurs when the entire brain is deprived of an adequate oxygen supply. This is a result of hypoxia (an inadequate amount of oxygen in the blood), and ischemia (damage to the brain due to lack of nutrients). This is an injury where […]
Eclampsia (prenatal period)
Eclampsia (prenatal period) Eclampsia is diagnosed when a pregnant woman has tonic-clonic seizures along with high blood pressure and proteinuria. This serious complication of pregnancy may lead to the development of swelling in the brain or coma. Eclampsia may lead to premature labor, convulsions, or in rare cases, fatality. Symptoms of Eclampsia Signs of eclampsia […]
Amniotic Fluid (prenatal period)
Amniotic Fluid (prenatal period) Amniotic fluid is the term that describes the fluid surrounding the uterus. Amniotic fluid is produced through fetal urination. A sufficient amount of fluid must surround the fetus for proper protection and growth. The amniotic fluid helps the lungs to properly develop, and permits movement within the womb, allowing for good […]
Pre-eclampsia (prenatal period)
Pre-eclampsia (prenatal period) Preeclampsia occurs when a pregnant mother’s blood pressure is greater than 140/90 with “proteinuria” (excess protein in the urine). Preeclampsia is considered severe when the blood pressure is greater than 160/110, and the mother is exhibiting other signs and symptoms. Preeclampsia is most often seen after 37 weeks of pregnancy, but it […]
Post-Partum Maternal Hemorrhage (antenatal period)
Post-Partum Maternal Hemorrhage (antenatal period) Post-Partum Hemorrhage (PPH) occurs when a new mother has vaginal bleeding in excess of 500 ml within 24 hours after delivery. Severe PPH occurs when the blood loss exceeds 1,000 ml. When mothers become severely anemic after giving birth, they are at risk for suffering from hypovolemic shock before they […]
Polyhydramnios (prenatal period)
Polyhydramnios (prenatal period) Polyhydramnios is a term used to signify that there is an excess amount of amniotic fluid in the amniotic sac. Amniotic fluid is important to the health and development of the fetus. The fetus regulates the amount of the amniotic fluid by swallowing the fluid, passing it through the kidneys, and excreting […]
Placental abruption (prenatal period)
Placental abruption (prenatal period) Placental abruption occurs when the placenta peels away from the inner wall of the uterus before delivery, either partially or completely. Placental abruption can deprive the baby of oxygen and nutrients and cause heavy bleeding in the mother. What are the Signs and Symptoms of Placental Abruption? Placental abruption will usually […]
Placenta Previa (prenatal period)
Placenta Previa (prenatal period) Placenta previa is a condition which occurs when a baby’s placenta partially or totally covers the mother’s cervix. Placenta previa can cause severe bleeding before or during delivery. The placenta provides oxygen and nutrients to the growing baby and removes waste products from the baby’s blood. It attaches to the wall […]