Sexually transmitted infections are generally mild. However, when it comes to pregnancy and newborns, there is no such thing as a minor STI. Potential consequences from these infections are quite serious and wide-ranging. Including the risk of becoming infected with an STI, a fetus and newborn can face many other risks of which most people are unaware.
Potential Consequences
In addition to becoming infected with a mother’s sexually transmitted infection during pregnancy or childbirth, the child of a mother with an STI could also potentially face these consequences:
- Premature birth
- Premature rupture of the membranes
- Being born underweight or undersize
- Eye infection
- Blood infection
- Pneumonia
- Chronic liver disease
- Blindness
- Deafness
- Brain damage
- Stillbirth
- Death after birth
As you can see, the consequences of an untreated STI during pregnancy can be critical. Infections, either maternal or in the baby, can also cause birth injury. Treatment to protect the baby is essential, both for the health of the mother and her unborn child. Going for your annual well woman exam with an OBGYN at Woman’s Health Centers is important for early detection and prevention of health problems.
Screening
One of the most important steps in protecting an unborn child from STIs is to screen the mother for infections early in the pregnancy. Mothers should also be screened again anytime they have a sexual encounter that could lead to an infection. It is crucial for pregnant women to inform their doctors of any such sexual encounter so that they can run the proper tests.
Should a woman keep her doctor fully informed, yet not be tested, or be tested but not be properly diagnosed, the mother will have legal grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit if her child has a related birth injury. Birth injuries like those mentioned above can have severe lifelong ramifications for a child. You will need proper compensation to pay for all of the related medical expenses and other costs associated with your child’s injury.
Prevention
Screening is your first line of defense, and if an infection is detected, it is vital to follow the best medical course of action to protect your child. Outside of the hospital, the best way to avoid any complications to your pregnancy due to an STI is to avoid any unsafe sex during pregnancy. Avoid intercourse with any partner who has not been tested and who you are not confident is infection-free.
Sex is not worth putting your child at risk. However, if you find that you must engage in sexual activity with someone who you are not 100% confident about, make sure to use a condom to protect yourself and your child.
Birth Injury Lawsuit
In cases where your child is harmed by a sexually transmitted infection, and that harm could have been avoided with competent medical care, you are going to want to file a lawsuit against the parties at fault. Your child may be facing an injury that will affect them for life, both physically and in quality of life. The largest part of the damages you will be suing for will not be related to medical costs, but to pain and suffering.
A birth injury has the potential to rob your child and yourself of so many things that you would both enjoy. Blindness due to a birth injury robs your child of seeing all the beauty of life. Nevertheless, for most parents, looking after a child with special needs can become emotionally isolating. No amount of money can compensate for an injury like this. However, with a fair settlement, you will be able to pay for your other advantages for your child that can potentially slightly offset their loss.
Seek For a Lawyer’s Professional Help
Filing a lawsuit also has the potential to protect others in the future. Loss of money can be a powerful motivator to do better in the future. Nobody deserves to lose their life or have it severely altered before they were born, simply because someone was not doing their job properly.
If your child has been injured due to an STI related birth injury where you feel medical malpractice played a part, consult with a birth injury lawyer to discuss your options. A competent lawyer will go through everything with you and then move forward with a plan. Having a professional on your side who will work to get you the settlement you are entitled to and get justice for you and your newborn can help give you peace of mind in this difficult time.