An ectopic pregnancy is a rare condition that occurs when a fertilized egg begins to grow and develop outside the uterus. It can cause serious internal bleeding that can sometimes be fatal. In some cases, ectopic pregnancies are misdiagnosed as benign or less-threatening conditions. In this article, we will discuss the symptoms of misdiagnosed ectopic pregnancy.
If you’re an attorney who is involved in a medical malpractice lawsuit related to misdiagnosed ectopic pregnancy, Carinal LifeCare Consulting is here to help. We use practice guidelines, recommendations from medical specialists, and medical records to create objective, evidence-based life care plans that will serve as vital evidence when negotiating with insurance companies or during litigation. To find out more about our services, call us today 724-487-0519 to speak to a member of our team.
Symptoms of an Ectopic Pregnancy
Typically, an ectopic pregnancy takes place during the first few weeks of a patient’s pregnancy. However, doctors often only discover this condition during the eighth week, when the expectant mother undergoes her first scans. For many women, an injection of a specialized medication will prevent the rogue egg from growing, allowing the body to absorb the cells. But for others, surgery may be the only option.
If ectopic pregnancy is not treated early on, the egg will continue to grow, causing either a miscarriage or damaging the surrounding fallopian tubes. The latter can lead to excessive bleeding, causing a severe injury or possibly the death of the patient. Signs of a misdiagnosed ectopic pregnancy include:
- Cramping
- Shoulder pain
- Lightheadedness
- Bouts of fainting
- Pelvic pain
- Abdominal pain
- Excessive vaginal bleeding
- Back pain
A doctor’s failure to identify this condition does not necessarily constitute negligence. A lawyer would need to show – through referencing standards of practice, the testimony of an expert witness, and other evidence – that another provider would have acted differently in the same situation, resulting in a different outcome.
At Cardinal LifeCare Consulting, we work with a broad network of expert witnesses who have the qualifications and experience to provide testimony during medical malpractice cases involving ectopic pregnancy. We can also put together a life care plan for your client to demonstrate the types of treatments he or she will need and their costs. To schedule a consultation, call 724-487-0519.
