What Is A Heterotopic Pregnancy?
A rare and potentially life-threatening medical condition, a heterotopic pregnancy is when a woman experiences both an intrauterine pregnancy (a fertilized egg implanted in the uterus) and an ectopic pregnancy (a fertilized egg implanted outside the uterus). Because it is uncommon, this condition is often misdiagnosed or overlooked. Talking to a Baltimore personal injury lawyer is key if medical negligence worsens the situation.
Symptoms of a Heterotopic Pregnancy
Heterotopic pregnancies occur in approximately 1 in 30,000 naturally conceived pregnancies. They are more common in women who undergo assisted reproductive technologies. For instance, when in vitro fertilization (IVF) is part of the progress, the rate can increase to 1 in 1,000 pregnancies.
Since a standard intrauterine pregnancy can mask the symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy, this condition is often misdiagnosed, delaying critical treatment. If left untreated, the ectopic pregnancy can rupture, causing severe internal bleeding, organ damage, and even loss of life.
When any of the following are experienced by a pregnant woman, immediate care should be sought.
- Severe abdominal or pelvic pain
- Vaginal bleeding or spotting
- Dizziness or fainting
- Shoulder pain
- Nausea and vomiting
These symptoms may be indicators of a larger health concern. For example, fainting could be due to internal bleeding and shoulder pain may be due to a ruptured fallopian tube.
Medical negligence becomes a factor when there is a delayed diagnosis or improper treatment. This can happen in a range of ways, such as doctors only confirming the intrauterine pregnancy and failing to check for an ectopic pregnancy. If a woman presents with pain or other warning signs, a doctor should conduct a thorough ultrasound and blood tests to rule out heterotopic pregnancy.
In other situations, a doctor may mistakenly terminate a viable intrauterine pregnancy while attempting to treat an ectopic pregnancy. Or physicians may improperly administer methotrexate, a medication used for ectopic pregnancies, which is not appropriate for heterotopic pregnancies as it can harm the viable intrauterine pregnancy.
When to Have a Conversation with a Medical Malpractice Attorney
If you or a loved one suffered serious harm due to a misdiagnosed or improperly treated heterotopic pregnancy, you may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim. A first step in protecting your rights is having a seasoned legal professional review medical records to determine negligence. Once mistakes are pinpointed, a lawyer can consult medical experts to evaluate errors and pursue compensation for bills, lost wages, and suffering.
Rare and dangerous conditions require immediate and accurate medical attention. When doctors fail to properly diagnose or treat heterotopic pregnancies, the consequences can be devastating. If you believe medical negligence played a role in your experience, a Baltimore personal injury lawyer can help you seek justice and compensation.
Could you use help after suffering after a rare pregnancy complication? Share the details of your case with the legal team at Iamele & Iamele, LLP. If doctors fail to act promptly, a patient may suffer life-threatening hemorrhaging, organ damage, or loss of fertility. Then, compensation is part of recovering. Contact us to book your confidential appointment.
