Most women in Illinois have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies without much complication. However, this only happens if they prevent or manage any medical conditions in advance. Mothers don’t often anticipate rare conditions like gestational diabetes, especially if they’ve never had a history of diabetes or related conditions. But if a doctor fails to diagnose it, it can have serious consequences for you and the baby. Here’s how that happens and what you can do to protect yourself.
Understanding gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that only occurs during pregnancy and typically resolves after giving birth. It results from hormonal changes during pregnancy that sometimes affect other essential hormones in your body, in this case, insulin.
Insulin regulates your blood sugar levels, which you need in ample amounts to nourish the developing baby. If it is in low amounts, it can lead to hyperglycemia, the excessive sugar in your bloodstream.
Risks for the mother and the child
As a mother, you are at a higher risk of developing type II diabetes later in life. To that, add high blood pressure and preeclampsia.
On the flip side, your child is more likely to be born large for gestational age (LGA), have low blood sugar at birth and be at higher risk for obesity and type II diabetes in the future. In severe cases, gestational diabetes can lead to stillbirth.
What to do when a doctor fails or misses the diagnosis
Under the Healing Arts Malpractice Act, you have the option to pursue a medical malpractice lawsuit against your doctor. This legislation mandates that healthcare providers must uphold a reasonable standard of care for their patients. Failure to diagnose or treat gestational diabetes breaches this obligation, and you can receive compensation for your damages.
Protecting yourself and your baby from the complications of gestational diabetes starts by being aware of the risk factors and symptoms. Also, your doctor should perform the necessary tests to diagnose and treat gestational diabetes. If you feel like your doctor failed or missed the diagnosis, don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion or take legal action.