Doctors sometimes prescribe Pitocin to pregnant women, especially as women prepare to give birth and should be going into labor. However, in some cases, Pitocin can cause serious birth injuries and life-threatening health problems for the baby and the mother.
This is why women should be aware of the possible risks associated with Pitocin. Otherwise, their health or their newborn child’s health could be at risk. Doctors should be aware of these dangerous side effects as well. Sadly, some physicians make mistakes that result in a medical emergency, birth injury, or life-threatening injury to the mother.
Attorney John A. Lancione at The Lancione Law Firm in Cleveland, Ohio understands the risks women and children face due to Pitocin. He also knows how to hold negligent doctors accountable and can handle your Pitocin medical malpractice case from start to finish.
What is Pitocin?
Manufactured by Par Pharmaceutical, Pitocin is a medication used to induce labor in pregnant women. A type of hormone, Pitocin is similar to oxytocin, the hormone women typically release when they go into labor and often results in uterine contractions.
When women do not release oxytocin, Pitocin can mimic oxytocin and induce labor in pregnant women who were not having uterine contractions, which are necessary to give birth in a vaginal birth. Unfortunately, Pitocin can sometimes cause serious medical issues involving the mother and the newborn child.
What is Pitocin prescribed for?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, along with inducing labor and uterine contractions, Pitocin is also sometimes prescribed for the following medical reasons:
- To control bleeding after childbirth.
- To promote milk secretion in women who are breastfeeding.
How is Pitocin administered?
Women are given Pitocin intravenously in an I.V. into the bloodstream. This way, the drug can be absorbed directly in the blood, the same as oxytocin typically is in women.
What are common Pitocin birth injuries?
Many newborn children sustain severe or life-threatening birth injuries due to dangerous side effects caused by Pitocin, including:
- Brain damage.
- Decreased heart rate.
- Irregular heart rate.
- Reduced blood flow.
- Infant seizures.
- Brain hemorrhage.
- Eye problems.
- Infant death.
What are common Pitocin maternal injuries for pregnant women?
Women who are given Pitocin sometimes experience severe health problems due to life-threatening side effects caused by the drug. Such medical issues can include:
- Uterine rupture.
- Heavy bleeding after giving birth (postpartum hemorrhage).
- Maternal stroke.
- Maternal death.
Why do Pitocin injuries occur?
In most cases, Pitocin injuries occur due to medical negligence or medical malpractice by doctors, surgeons, and other medical professionals. Specific examples include:
- Failing to diagnose a life-threatening medical condition caused by Pitocin.
- Misdiagnosing a woman or child’s medical issue.
- Giving too high of a dosage.
- Failing to follow standard medical practices in response to a medical emergency caused by Pitocin.
How can a Cleveland birth injury attorney help?
The inappropriate administration of Pitocin often leads to severe and life-threatening injuries in both women and newborns. As previously discussed, these injuries frequently result from errors made by negligent medical professionals.
At The Lancione Law Firm, we understand the challenges that arise in birth injury cases involving Pitocin. Our legal team is committed to providing unwavering support and diligent legal representation to individuals and families affected by such medical negligence. With our extensive experience and knowledge, we strive to hold medical professionals and institutions accountable for their actions.
If you or your loved one has suffered due to Pitocin-related birth injuries, we are here to help. We will work tirelessly to pursue justice and compensation on your behalf. To get a clear understanding of your potential legal options, contact us today to see how we can help. We proudly handle birth injury cases nationwide.