Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that affects pregnant women and is mainly diagnosed during pregnancy. It is a serious health condition that can lead to complications, including premature birth, stillbirth or increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
While several factors can contribute to gestational diabetes, medical negligence is one of them. Below are instances when a healthcare provider’s mistakes may aggravate the deadly effects of this condition.
Failure to notice the signs
It can be difficult to diagnose gestational diabetes because its symptoms are often similar to those of a normal pregnancy. However, healthcare professionals are trained to look for signs of the condition, such as excessive thirst and frequent urination. If they fail to do so, a pregnant woman may go undiagnosed and untreated, increasing the risk of harm to both mother and baby.
Failure to properly manage the condition
Even when gestational diabetes is diagnosed correctly, healthcare professionals may not manage it appropriately. This can involve a failure to monitor blood sugar levels, prescribe appropriate medication or provide dietary advice. Without proper management, gestational diabetes can lead to birth complications.
Administering wrong medication
In some cases, medical negligence can also involve administering drugs that can cause gestational diabetes. For example, certain antidepressant medications have been linked to an increased risk of the condition. If healthcare professionals fail to identify this risk and prescribe these drugs without caution, they may be held liable for any harm that results.
Holding the negligent parties accountable
Gestational diabetes can have lifelong effects on your quality of life, not to mention the associated healthcare costs. If you believe that you or a loved one has been the victim of medical negligence, seeking legal advice as soon as possible is essential to protect your interests and ensure you get justice.
