The joy of pregnancy is unmatched, yet it comes with its set of challenges and risks. For many expectant parents, ensuring a safe and healthy pregnancy is a top priority. But what happens when something goes wrong—not because of nature, but because of a preventable medication error? Medication errors during pregnancy and labor can have devastating consequences for both mother and baby, leaving families devastated and seeking answers. Understanding these errors, their consequences, and how to protect your family is crucial.
What Are Medication Errors?
Medication errors happen when medical professionals make mistakes prescribing, dispensing, or administering medicine. Unfortunately, these errors are not uncommon and can include situations like giving the wrong drug, administering an incorrect dose, or failing to consider harmful drug interactions. While medication errors can affect anyone, they’re especially dangerous for pregnant women and their unborn babies, whose developing bodies are highly sensitive to medications.
Common Ways Medication Errors Occur in Pregnancy and Labor
Mistakes with medications during pregnancy or childbirth can happen at any point in the healthcare process. Some of the most common causes include:
1. Incorrect Dosage
Doctors must tailor medication doses to account for pregnancy and the changing physiology of the mother’s body. If a healthcare professional provides too high or too low a dose, it could harm both mother and baby.
2. Prescribing Unsafe Medications
Certain medications, even those considered safe for the general population, can be dangerous during pregnancy. Some drugs may increase the risk of birth defects, premature delivery, or complications during labor.
3. Allergic Reactions or Interactions
Pregnant women may be prescribed several medications—but what happens if one drug interacts dangerously with another? Sometimes, providers fail to check for interactions or previous allergies, leading to harmful effects.
4. Labor and Delivery Errors
During labor, anesthetics like epidurals or pain-relieving drugs are often administered. A miscalculation in these complex medical procedures can cause overdose, insufficient pain relief, or severe side effects affecting the newborn.
The Consequences of Medication Errors
The effects of a medication error can range from mild issues to life-altering complications. For expectant parents, these errors might cause:
For Babies
- Congenital disabilities or structural deformities
- Neurological impairments
- Premature birth or low birth weight
- Difficulty breathing at birth
- Developmental delays
For Mothers
- Allergic reactions or side effects
- Dangerous infections, especially during labor
- Prolonged hospital stays due to harm caused by incorrect dosages
Steps You Can Take to Protect Your Family
While these errors are often preventable, you can actively reduce the risk of harm. Here are actionable steps you can take if you're pregnant, planning for labor, or have already experienced a medication error:
1. Advocate for Yourself
Don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare provider about any prescribed medications. Questions such as “Is this safe during pregnancy?” and “What are the potential side effects?” can help you better understand your care.
2. Get a Second Opinion
If your gut tells you something isn’t right, trust it. However, if a medication seems unusual or risky, seek a second opinion from another doctor or specialist.
3. Keep Detailed Records
Document all prescribed medications, including dosages and the reasons for taking them. This record can serve as evidence of what went wrong in the event of an error.
4. Know Your Rights
If you suspect negligence or that a medication harmed you or your baby, you have legal options. Consulting with a personal injury attorney can help you determine whether medical malpractice occurred and how to proceed with your claim.
How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
Medical malpractice cases, particularly those involving pregnant women or newborns, can be overwhelming. An experienced personal injury attorney acts as your advocate, investigating the situation and holding negligent parties accountable.
You’ll gain access to resources like medical experts and case evaluations by consulting an attorney. These professionals can assess whether your healthcare provider breached their duty of care and determine if you’re entitled to compensation. Such compensation can cover medical expenses, ongoing therapy for your baby, and emotional damages from the experience.
When to Seek Legal Help
If you or your baby suffered complications you believe were caused by a medication error, it’s essential to act quickly. Many states have strict statutes of limitations for filing medical malpractice lawsuits. The sooner you consult an attorney, the sooner you can begin your path to justice.
At the end of the day, your family’s health and safety come first. If negligence has derailed your birth experience, you don’t have to face it alone.
New York Medical Malpractice Lawyers
For families in New York seeking legal assistance or additional support concerning medication errors during pregnancy, reaching out to experienced professionals, such as our team at Simonson Goodman Platzer PC, can make a world of difference. With a deep understanding of medical malpractice and a commitment to advocating for patient rights, we stand ready to assist and guide affected families toward resolution and healing. Contact us today at (800) 817-5029 to explore your options and ensure your family's healthcare journey remains protected.