New York Placenta Previa

The placenta is a very important part of a pregnancy. It is attached to the uterus and provides the baby with nutrients and oxygen through the umbilical cord. If there is a problem with the placenta, the baby is at risk. Typically the placenta is located toward the top of the uterus, away from the cervix. Placenta previa is a pregnancy complication that occurs in about 1 out of every 200 pregnancies, and involves the placenta covering all or part of the cervix. This can lead to significant bleeding that puts both the mother and baby at risk. If you believe that your doctor mishandled your placenta previa and as a result you or your baby suffered a serious injury, the New York placenta previa lawyers at the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates can help you get fair compensation to pay for the medical expenses associated with the birth injury, as well as any other related expenses.

Symptoms of placenta previa usually occur during the second half of the pregnancy and involve bright red bleeding from the vagina. Some women also experience contractions. There are also cases where women do not experience any symptoms, but a doctor can detect placenta previa with an ultrasound.

Other signs of placenta previa are that the baby is in a breech position and the uterus measures larger than it should based on the gestational age.

Treatment of placenta previa depends on the pregnancy stage. The doctor will order bed rest. If the bleeding cannot be controlled, transfusions may be required. While the doctor should try to avoid preterm delivery, it may be necessary to deliver the baby immediately by c-section.

Complications associated with placenta previa, include intrauterine growth restrictions, cerebral palsy, partum hemorrhaging, and fetal hypoxia.

Placenta previa occurs in about 1 out of every 200 pregnancies. There are risk factors of which your doctor should be aware.

• Over the age of 35
• Prior uterine surgery such as c-section or uterine fibroid removal
• Smoking
• Cocaine use
• Multiple fetuses
• Prior pregnancy
• Having placenta previa in the past

As an experienced New York placenta previa lawyer will explain, complications related to placenta previa are likely to be avoided with careful planning and treatment. While a doctor may not be able to prevent placenta previa from occurring, a doctor can understand the risk factors, monitor the mother, and take quick, appropriate action should placenta previa occur. The doctor should take steps to stop the bleeding. The doctor should also prepare for the possibility that the baby will have to be delivered early.

If you or your baby suffers a serious injury that could have been prevented if your doctor diagnosed and treated placenta previa in an appropriate manner, then you may have a claim against your doctor for medical negligence. While your doctor and your hospital may not admit that errors were made, a placenta previa attorney in New York will review your medical records to determine if medical negligence contributed to your injuries.

If you or your baby suffered a serious injury because your doctor mismanaged your placenta previa, you have the right to hold your doctor accountable. We have the knowledge, resources, and experienced to help. The placenta previa attorneys serving New York at the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates have years of experience representing clients who have suffered serious injuries due to medical negligence. 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.