What Happens When a Woman Is Sent Home Too Soon After Giving Birth?
Giving birth is a major medical event that lasts many hours. Sometimes, a birth can be traumatic, both physically and psychologically. Knowing how serious giving birth is, you would think women are offered ample time to recover in the hospital.
However, this is rarely the case. According to Reuters, up to 83% of women leave the hospital less than 24 hours after giving birth, worldwide. Additionally, up to 75% of women leave the hospital too soon after C-sections, based on U.S. recommendations and laws.
Learn the potential consequences of a woman leaving the hospital too soon after giving birth.
Common Postpartum Complications
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 700 women in the U.S. die from pregnancy-related complications every year, and about 60% of these deaths are preventable. Many pregnancy-related medical events may not appear until after the mother leaves the hospital. Some common postpartum complications include:
- Hemorrhage: Many women will bleed for about 2-6 weeks after giving birth. After this time, however, it should begin to slow. Some women may experience severe bleeding, or a hemorrhage, in the first two weeks following delivery. This can be caused by a retained placenta, an infection, or something else.
- Infection and sepsis: Some infections do not become serious until weeks later. If healthcare workers used unhygienic practices during a woman’s birth, she may suffer a serious infection once she leaves the hospital.
- Stroke or pulmonary embolism: Approximately 50% of strokes in women happen postpartum. The highest risk period for a blood clot is two weeks postpartum but, can continue for six weeks.
Injured During Labor and Delivery? We’re Here to Help
Giving birth and the time thereafter should be joyous. However, serious medical complications may arise that can forever change a woman’s life. If you were injured during or after giving birth, our Miami medical malpractice attorneys are here to protect your rights. We have the experience and resources needed to take on large hospitals and insurance companies, and we’re prepared to fight for you.
Call Grossman Roth Yaffa Cohen at (866) 629-1061 to schedule a free consultation.
