Pitocin Errors Lawyer
Doctors sometimes use Pitocin—a manufactured version of oxytocin—to induce labor. When used correctly, it can help a woman give birth more easily. When used incorrectly, however, it poses enormous risks to the baby and its mother. For example, the baby may develop cerebral palsy from restricted blood flow during a forced delivery, or the mother’s uterus may rupture. If you or your child were harmed in this way, working with a Pitocin errors lawyer may be a good idea. They can help you protect your rights and take decisive action against those who caused you and your loved ones harm.
For decades, people have trusted the Snyder Law Group to fight for them during times of struggle. Our Baltimore birth injury lawyers have helped dozens of families through the process of filing a medical malpractice claim against those who harmed them and their babies.
What Is Pitocin?
As the Mayo Clinic explains, Pitocin is a synthetic version of oxytocin. Oxytocin is something the body produces in higher amounts during labor to assist with the labor process. However, the doctors may want to give this to a woman early on to induce labor.
Pitocin makes the woman have stronger and prolonged contractions, which can help the baby move through the birth canal more easily. That said, because Pitocin interferes with the natural birthing process, it should only be given in specific situations.
According to the National Institute of Health, circumstances that might call for the use of Pitocin include where the mother has a condition—such as high blood pressure or diabetes—that puts the baby at risk. Additionally, a mother may need Pitocin to assist with delivery if her uterus is inactive and needs help initiating or continuing the labor process.
What Are the Risks of Pitocin?
Inducing labor through the use of Pitocin can be incredibly risky for the mother and her baby. Mayo Clinic warns that forcing the uterus to contract before the rest of the body is ready to deliver the baby may interrupt the baby’s oxygen and blood supply. This may lead the newborn to suffer from hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, which can cause cerebral palsy and other forms of brain damage. Additionally, the baby may have jaundice, or the mother’s uterus may rupture or bleed excessively after the birth.
Does Pitocin Cause Cerebral Palsy?
Pitocin can indirectly cause cerebral palsy if the healthcare team doesn’t use it properly. When a woman gives birth, the body prepares for this by going into labor. This includes the cervix softening and expanding—called ripening—and the uterus contracting. If the doctors give the woman Pitocin—which stimulates uterine contractions—before the rest of the birth canal is ready, it can cause serious issues for the baby and mother.
One of the issues it may cause is for the baby to leave the uterus before the cervix is soft or wide enough for the baby to leave the canal. As a result, the baby may get stuck or not have enough oxygen supply to remain stable. Interruption to the baby’s flow of nutrients and oxygen-rich blood can cause brain damage that leads to cerebral palsy.
Can You Sue a Doctor or Hospital for Pitocin Errors?
If your delivery team made a mistake when giving you Pitocin, you may be able to sue them for the injuries you and your baby sustained because of it. Maryland law empowers injured patients to bring a lawsuit against their providers if their actions fall below the standard of care for that specialty.
All doctors have a duty to make decisions based on a reasonable assessment of the risks and benefits to the patient and best practices in that field of medicine. When they don’t follow through on this duty, and patients get hurt, they may be liable for whatever harm they cause. For example, you may be able to sue your doctor if they gave you Pitocin too early and it caused your baby to travel further down the birth canal before it was time.
You may find it beneficial to work with a Baltimore medical malpractice lawyer who can determine if you have a claim against your medical team. The attorney can also help you understand the deadlines under Maryland law and assist you with preparing and filing documents to meet those.
Snyder Law Group: Fierce Pitocin Errors Lawyers Serving Baltimore
When doctors make a careless decision to induce labor by using Pitocin without justification, they put the mother and her baby in danger. If you or your baby were hurt because your medical team incorrectly administered Pitocin, you may have a legal claim against them. Filing a claim can’t turn back the clock; however, it can be an empowering first step on your healing journey.
Snyder Law Group deeply cares about the well-being of expectant and new mothers and their families. Michael Snyder’s efforts on behalf of his clients have earned him recognition from esteemed organizations, including a position as a Top 100 Trial Lawyer by the American Trial Lawyers Association. For legal help, contact a Pitocin errors attorney today by calling 410-755-5829 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our dedicated team.