Infections

During a pregnancy, a mother may experience an infection. It is important to treat any such infection carefully so as not to harm the unborn child. If a mother has certain types of infections, it is also important to monitor these conditions and in some cases to administer antibiotics during delivery. Failure to do so can mean that the infection can be passed onto the infant during birth, and this can cause serious, life-threatening, permanent injury to the infant.

If your child has suffered a birth injury in Miami or another Florida community because medical staff failed to monitor an existing infection or failed to diagnose a new infection, you may have a medical malpractice claim. Contact the Flaxman Law Group today to explore your legal options in a free, no obligation consultation.

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) infections are one of the most common infection-related birth injuries, affecting about 12,000 newborn infants across the country annually. GBS is a type of bacteria that is sometimes found in the lower intestine or the vagina. If it is present in a mother, it can be passed onto the baby during delivery, and it can enter the infant’s bloodstream. GBS infections are extremely dangerous. In infants, they can lead to meningitis, pneumonia, hearing issues, visual impairment, brain damage, lung injury, and fatalities. GBS can cause premature delivery, fever, and prolonged labor. It is important for medical professionals to test for this type of infection and to monitor mothers and unborn children closely. If a mother does have a GBS infection, it is important to treat the infection and it may be important to administer an antibiotic during or before labor to help protect the baby.

According to the CDC, up to 30-5-% of US women have experienced a congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection by the time they are 40. This infection can be caused by contact with urine and saliva, although it is most often transferred through sexual activity. CMV may not have obvious symptoms and it may not be harmful to a mother. However, it can be transferred to a fetus via the placenta. If it is not treated, it can cause health problems during the baby’s lifetime. Babies with CMV may experience seizures, spleen issues, and liver problems. They may also have small heads, although many babies who are affected do not seem to have any symptoms for years. A few years after birth, however, babies who have been affected by CMV may experience seizures, mental disability, hearing impairment, vision loss, coordination problems, and other serious symptoms. CMV is difficult to detect and treat because there are often no immediate symptoms. However, health care practitioners should test for CMV in any cases where a mother may be a carrier and should monitor both the mother and infant closely in cases where CMV infection is present.

If a mother has the herpes simplex virus, it can cause skin defects, premature delivery, mental disability, and eye problems for the infant. The virus can be very easily transmitted from the mother to the baby during delivery. Since there is no way to completely eliminate the virus from the mother’s body, it is important for medical professionals to order a cesarean section in cases where a woman is experiencing an active outbreak. It is also important for hospitals and doctors to take extra precautions in cases where a woman has the herpes simplex virus and is pregnant.

If your child has suffered a serious birth injury, it is important to consult with a personal injury attorney in Miami or your community. You may be able to launch a medical malpractice claim in Miami to secure financial resources that can help you pay for quality medical care for your child. To get more information, schedule a free, no obligation consultation with the Flaxman Law Group by calling 866-352-9626.