Pitocin is a synthetic oxytocin. The medication can be used to either start labor or to strengthen labor contractions so that labor can progress more quickly.
Unfortunately, in some cases, Pitocin is used incorrectly, or the wrong dosage is used. When this occurs, both the mother and child can experience severe and sometimes fatal consequences. Gill Ports Hoste LLC is here to help when this tragic outcome results.
At Gill Ports Hoste LLC, our attorneys have dedicated their careers to fighting for those hurt by medical negligence. We have recovered millions over 90+ collective years of representing clients in malpractice claims, and we understand how to tackle complex cases where you must demonstrate a doctor’s failures.
If you need an advocate to help you hold your provider accountable, contact Gill Ports Hoste LLC today for help.
Common types of birth injuries from Pitocin
Pitocin-related injuries can affect the mother, the child, or both. Some of the most common types of birth injuries include:
- Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy: HIE is brain damage that results from depriving an infant’s brain of oxygen.
- Cerebral palsy: This is a disorder in which an infant permanently loses muscle control and the ability to control movements as a result of neurological damage during or shortly after birth
- Seizures: The trauma to the infant’s brain can cause neonatal seizures.
- Brain bleeding: Trauma to the brain can also result in intracranial hemorrhage or bleeding in the infant’s brain
- Uterine rupture: If the uterus ruptures or tears, this could be fatal for mom and baby
- Placental abruption: This occurs when the placenta separates from the wall of the uterus before delivery
- Maternal hemorrhage: This refers to severe, uncontrolled bleeding of the mother
- Water intoxication: A dangerous electrolyte imbalance can occur that puts the mother at risk.
These complications may occur because Pitocin causes excessive contractions, which can make it impossible for the placenta and uterus to function properly during the birthing process.
How do birth injuries from Pitocin happen?
In many cases, something goes wrong with the mother or child because a mistake is made related to Pitocin use. Common errors include:
- Incorrect dosing: If Pitocin is delivered too rapidly or the dose administered is too high, this can cause contractions that are too intense for the mother or baby to handle.
- Monitoring failures: The infant’s heart rate and the contraction frequency must both be monitored when Pitocin is administered to prevent and respond to complications
- Failure to respond to uterine hyperstimulation: When the Pitocin causes contractions that are too intense, the drug must be stopped or reduced. In some cases, additional treatments must be provided.
- Using Pitocin in contraindicated situations: For example, Pitocin typically shouldn’t be administered or should be administered with extra caution in specific types of birth situations, such as when the baby is breech or if the delivery is a vaginal birth after a cesarean.
In many cases, the failures are a form of medical negligence. Gill Ports Hoste LLC can help you to determine if that’s the case in your situation. If so, we can help you to prove that your doctor’s negligence should result in legal liability for your resulting harm.
Contact a Pitocin birth injury lawyer today
A Chicago Pitocin birth injury lawyer at Gill Ports Hoste LLC can help if you or your child was harmed because of an issue with medication administered during birth. Give us a call today or contact us online to schedule your free consultation and learn more.