New York Pitocin Errors

Pitocin, a synthetic form of the hormone oxytocin, is a medication administered via IV that is used to induce or speed up labor. It helps start contractions or increase contractions in an effort to speed up a vaginal delivery. During labor a mother produces oxytocin. Pitocin provides more of it in order to stimulate more uterine contractions. While the purpose of giving the mother Pitocin is for her to have the appropriate frequency and strength of contractions to vaginally deliver her baby, if used improperly Piticon can lead to hyperstimulation, meaning too many contractions in a short period of time. Hyperstimulation can be very dangerous for babies as it can lead to lack of oxygen and related serious injuries. If your baby suffered a serious birth injury related because your doctor made a mistake related to Piticon, it is important that you immediately contact an experienced New York Piticon errors Iawyer as you may be entitled to compensation related to the injuries your baby suffered.

• Uterine rupture. A uterine rupture is a tear in the wall of the uterus that can put both the mother and baby at risk. If Piticon leads to hyperstimulation of the uterus, there is increased pressure on the uterus. The pressure on the uterus can make the uterus thinner and increases the possibility of a uterine rupture.
• Uteroplacental perfusion. A uteroplacental perfusion occurs when there is a decreased flow of fluid to and from the placenta. As a result the baby may not get sufficient oxygen and nutrients. If the baby is not getting enough oxygen, through monitoring fetal distress can be detected.
• Placental abruption. Placental abruption occurs when the placental separates from the uterus prior to childbirth. Similar to uteroplacental perfusion, placental abruption can lead to the baby suffering a serious injury due to a lack of oxygen. Uterine stimulation from Piticon can lead to or contribute to placental abruption.

If your doctor gave your Piticon and any of these complications occurred, contact a New York Piticon errors attorney to review your medical records to determine if negligence was a factor in the injury your child suffered.

If a doctor prescribes Piticon, the doctor must closely monitor both the mother and the baby. Electronic fetal monitoring can alert the doctor to acceleration or deceleration of the baby’s heat beat, indicating fetal distress. Monitoring of the mother can also alert the doctor if the contractions start to occur too frequently. If hyperstimulation or fetal distress occurs, it is incumbent upon the doctor to respond. For example, discontinuing Piticon could result in the slowing of contractions and could help the baby’s oxygenation. As experienced Piticon errors attorneys in New York, we are aware of far too many cases in which the baby’s fetal monitor strip showed clear signs of distress, yet the doctor failed to act promptly to treat the condition by discontinuing the use of Piticon.

If the mismanagement of Piticon led to your baby suffering a serious injury due to uterine rupture, hypoxic ischemic brain injury, or uteroplacental insufficiency, you have the right to file a medical malpractice lawsuit and demand compensation to cover your baby’s medical expenses, loss of future earning potential, pain and suffering, and other losses.

If you suspect that your baby’s birth injury was related to the negligent management of Piticon by your doctor, do not hesitate to immediately contact an experienced attorney. The Piticon errors attorneys serving New York at the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates have decades of experience winning substantial compensation for victims injured due to the negligence of others. Contact us at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case. We represent clients in the following locations: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Long Island, Manhattan, Nassau County, Queens, Staten Island, Suffolk County and Westchester County.