Maternal Infections During Pregnancy | Bounds Law Group
Maternal Infection Misdiagnosis and Its Consequences
Maternal infections during pregnancy can lead to devastating outcomes for both mother and child. When these infections are misdiagnosed or undiagnosed, the results can be catastrophic. A maternal infection misdiagnosis not only endangers the pregnancy but can result in permanent injuries, stillbirth, or death. At Bounds Law Group, we fight for families who have suffered due to medical negligence in diagnosing or treating infections during pregnancy.
Healthcare providers have a duty of care to monitor, diagnose, and treat maternal infections promptly. A failure to meet this duty may constitute medical malpractice, and affected families may be entitled to compensation for their suffering.
Complete our free case evaluation form or call us now at 877-644-5122 to schedule a consultation.
What Is a Maternal Infection Misdiagnosis?
A maternal infection misdiagnosis occurs when a medical provider either:
- Fails to detect the presence of an infection, or
- Incorrectly identifies the type of infection, leading to inappropriate treatment or no treatment at all.
Such negligence can lead to serious complications, including:
- Preterm birth
- Neonatal infections
- Brain damage
- Cerebral palsy
- Sepsis in the mother or fetus
- Stillbirth
When doctors fail to diagnose these conditions properly, the consequences are irreversible. We hold these professionals accountable.
Common Infections During Pregnancy That Are Frequently Misdiagnosed
Not all infections present clear symptoms, and even those that do can be mistakenly attributed to normal pregnancy changes. Here are some maternal infections most prone to misdiagnosis:
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
UTIs are common during pregnancy but must be treated quickly. If left undiagnosed, a UTI can lead to kidney infections or preterm labor. A simple urine test is often enough to diagnose this condition, yet it's frequently overlooked.
Group B Streptococcus (GBS)
Around 25% of women carry GBS. If not properly screened and treated during labor, it can cause severe infections in newborns, including meningitis and pneumonia. Failure to test or administer antibiotics constitutes a dangerous maternal infection misdiagnosis.
Toxoplasmosis
This parasitic infection can cause blindness, intellectual disability, and seizures in infants. Many obstetricians neglect to test for it, especially if the mother presents no symptoms.
Listeriosis
Linked to contaminated food, this infection can result in miscarriage or fetal death. Diagnosis is often delayed because symptoms mimic other minor illnesses, yet its outcomes are severe if untreated.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
CMV is the most common congenital viral infection. Misdiagnosis leads to hearing loss, vision problems, and developmental delays in infants.
These oversights are not minor errors—they are acts of negligence that can ruin lives.
How Medical Professionals Fail in Diagnosing Infections
A maternal infection misdiagnosis may result from several types of medical negligence:
- Failure to order routine screenings
- Misinterpretation of test results
- Not responding to patient complaints or symptoms
- Delaying necessary treatments
- Failure to follow standard prenatal care protocols
When these standards are violated, patients suffer. At Bounds Law Group, we investigate each case thoroughly to uncover exactly where the system failed and who is responsible.
The Legal Grounds for a Maternal Infection Misdiagnosis Lawsuit
A successful claim must prove that:
- A doctor-patient relationship existed.
- The healthcare provider failed to meet the standard of care.
- This failure directly caused harm to the mother, the baby, or both.
Our experienced attorneys can help you collect the evidence needed to prove medical malpractice, including expert medical testimony, records review, and more.
We have handled countless maternal infection misdiagnosis claims and secured substantial settlements for our clients. Our legal strategy involves more than just filing lawsuits—it’s about seeking justice for innocent families.
Damages You Can Recover in a Misdiagnosis Claim
If you or your baby suffered due to a maternal infection misdiagnosis, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Pain and suffering
- Disability or permanent injury
- Loss of income or earning capacity
- Wrongful death
- Loss of enjoyment of life
These damages can’t undo the harm but can help your family find financial stability and support long-term care needs.
Why Choose Bounds Law Group?
At Bounds Law Group, we specialize in maternal infection misdiagnosis cases. We understand how overwhelming and heartbreaking it is to learn that a preventable medical error harmed your child or cost you your pregnancy.
Our team of seasoned attorneys has decades of experience holding hospitals, clinics, and individual healthcare providers accountable. We fight aggressively for our clients, leveraging expert witnesses, medical records, and legal insight to build an airtight case.
We work on a contingency fee basis—you don’t pay unless we win.
What To Do If You Suspect a Misdiagnosis
If you believe a maternal infection misdiagnosis harmed you or your baby, take action immediately:
- Seek a second medical opinion.
- Request copies of all medical records.
- Document symptoms, appointments, and treatments.
- Contact an experienced malpractice attorney.
We’re ready to help you take the next step toward justice.
Complete our free case evaluation form or call us now at 877-644-5122. Don’t wait—every moment counts when your future is on the line.
The Role of Prenatal Care in Preventing Maternal Infection Misdiagnosis
One of the most effective strategies for avoiding a maternal infection misdiagnosis is consistent, comprehensive prenatal care. Prenatal visits are designed not only to monitor the baby's development but also to assess the mother's overall health, detect potential infections early, and implement timely interventions. Unfortunately, many misdiagnoses occur because healthcare providers fail to adhere to recommended prenatal screening guidelines or dismiss symptoms as normal side effects of pregnancy.
Key Preventative Measures in Prenatal Care:
- Routine Screenings: Early in pregnancy, providers should conduct a battery of tests for common infections such as GBS, HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, and urinary tract infections. Follow-up tests may be needed depending on symptoms and risk factors.
- Patient Education: Expectant mothers must be educated about the signs of infection—including fever, painful urination, unusual discharge, or flu-like symptoms—so they can seek medical attention promptly.
- Follow-Up on Symptoms: Even mild complaints like back pain or fatigue can mask more serious issues. Doctors should never ignore or minimize a patient’s concerns without thorough evaluation.
- Nutrition and Lifestyle Counseling: Mothers should be advised on safe food handling, avoiding undercooked meats, and managing exposure to infectious agents, especially toxoplasmosis and listeria.
When medical professionals fail to take these precautions seriously, they put two lives at risk. Our legal team at Bounds Law Group is committed to holding them accountable for these preventable oversights.
If you’ve experienced complications due to a maternal infection misdiagnosis, don’t hesitate to complete our free case evaluation form or call us at 877-644-5122. We're here to fight for your family's future.
Trusted Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Infections During Pregnancy
The CDC offers comprehensive data and guidance on maternal infections and prenatal care standards.
https://www.cdc.gov/pregnancy/infections.html - March of Dimes – Preventing Infections During Pregnancy
A leading authority on maternal and infant health, March of Dimes provides educational resources on avoiding prenatal infections.
https://www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/topics/pregnancy/infections-during-pregnancy - National Institutes of Health (NIH) – Maternal and Fetal Infections
Research-focused information from the NIH about maternal infections and their impact on fetal development.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3615193/