Epidural Error Malpractices

It is estimated that half of all pregnant women choose to use, during childbirth, an epidural to diminish discomfort and pain.

Epidurals are used in both C-section and vaginal births. This enables the mother to remain conscious during the birthing procedure.

The risk to the child and mother, when used correctly, is very low.

When the anesthesiologist, however, makes an error or mistake with the use of a typical pain blocker, it can result in catastrophic injury to the mother, as well as the yet-to-be-born child.

A form of anesthesia, and epidural is used to block pain in one body region.

General anesthesia is used for the entire body. However, an epidural is injected in the lower spine only to provide relief of pain in the lower body half.

To reduce the pain of a mother's labor, epidural is used to block impulses of the nerve at the point of an injection.

Especially in difficult or long labors, epidural is usually used for pain to help the mother relax and rest.

Anesthesiologists are educated to offer epidurals safely based on preparation, position, projection, and puncture.

This is a process which should be adhered to correctly to prevent injury to the mother and the unborn baby.

Supposedly mistakes can occur when a mother is provided the wrong dose, and is not monitored properly, incorrectly positioned, or due to the wrong insertion of the needle.

Sustained injuries to the mother due to an epidural era can result in the following: damage to the nerve; cardiac arrest; seizures; paralysis; drop in blood pressure; and death.

When a pregnant mother receives the wrong dosage, or not monitored correctly after an epidural, it can severely be a risk for her and the child.

Any woman that has experience with seizures, low blood pressure, cardiac arrest, or various medical emergencies while she gives birth, cannot give the necessary oxygen to the child inside of her, which can be a risk to both mother and child.

If the baby cannot be vaginally removed in an emergency, then a Caesarean would need to be performed right away.

A lack of oxygen is the biggest concern to an unborn child.

During childbirth, lack of oxygen can result in catastrophic injuries to the baby.

Once the brain and body are deprived of oxygen, harm can easily arise.

Results of lack of oxygen which are prolonged to the unborn baby can entail the following: Erb’s and cerebral palsy; brain injury; respiratory and heart disease; stroke; and infant death.

If the epidural era, unfortunately, results in severe health issues with the mother, the baby will be at risk. The hospital team would fight time to save mother and child.

Administering an emergency Caesarean when the mother has severely low blood pressure, and is suffering from cardiac arrest, may not be a choice.

It is a dire situation which may result in the loss of child, mother, or even both.

Contact us for a free consultation or call Anzalone Law Firm PLLC, at: 603.548.3797