The Hidden Dangers of Epidurals: Why Post-Procedure Monitoring is Critical for Mother and Baby

Giving birth to a child is certainly one of the most joyous and memorable experiences a mother can have.

However, many women will also attest that it can be one of the most painful experiences. For this reason, many women in Chicago and throughout the entire U.S. may elect to have an epidural during labor in order to manage their pain during the labor and birth of their child.

Although this practice is very common in the U.S., it can also be very dangerous for patients if doctors fail to administer epidurals properly or if hospital staff fails to properly monitor a mother who has received an epidural. According to the results of a new study, epidurals could also cause children to suffer birth injuries if a mother develops a fever before or after an epidural has been administered.

“When doctors and nurses fail to properly monitor both mother and baby after an epidural, preventable harm can occur,” said CHH Partner Bill Cirignani. “Patients trust their medical team to recognize warning signs and take action, but when that doesn’t happen, the consequences can be devastating.”

Researchers analyzed data from more than 3,200 births of full-term babies at a hospital in Boston. They discovered that if a mother developed a fever after she had been administered an epidural her baby was more at risk of suffering injuries.

Certain factors, such as prolonged labor, larger babies, or maternal age, can increase the likelihood of fever following an epidural. If not promptly addressed, these complications can escalate, putting both mother and child at risk. Healthcare providers must remain attentive, not only to the potential effects of the epidural itself but also to other underlying conditions, such as intrauterine infections, that could contribute to maternal fever.

If you or your child experienced complications due to improper monitoring after an epidural, you may have legal options. Our Chicago-based attorneys focus exclusively on cases involving medical negligence and patient harm. Get in touch today for a free consultation to discuss your concerns and explore the next steps.

Source: HealthDay, “Epidural Plus Fever in Mom May Raise Risks for Baby,” Jenifer Goodwin, Feb. 3, 2012

• Epidural

Birth Injuries