First what is Pitocin? It is a synthetic version of Oxytocin. Oxytocin is a hormone that your body usually produces naturally that aids in inducing contractions. If your OB-GYN decides to induce you, often Pitocin is used, it is delivered through an IV in your...
One in three patient deaths from opioids is due to a lack of monitoring by the hospital staff according to the Joint Commission which accredits hospitals. Let that sink in for a minute. This number when you think about it is huge. The opioid medications...
First, why are forceps used? A forceps delivery is used to assist in delivery. During delivery doctors may have to use forceps (these resemble two large salad tongs) to help guide the baby’s head through the birth canal. These are sometimes used to speed up...
Every year between 8,000 to 10,000 people are diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy (CP). This is a disorder that affects the brain and causes motor deficiency. Palsy refers to paralysis. The majority of cerebral palsy cases are considered “congenital”, meaning the brain damage occurred before or...
The definition of preeclampsia (sometimes called PIH or pregnancy-induced hypertension) is a condition in pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure, sometimes fluid retention and proteinuria. Preeclampsia generally happens at 20 weeks of pregnancy but in some cases, this happens earlier or after delivery. Approximately 5%...
Thousands of patients suffer complications or injury due to surgical and anesthesia error every year. If the patient is injured due to a surgical or anesthesia error the patient could recover damages from the negligent doctor or hospital. Unfortunately, medical malpractice in the operating room is more common than...
In order to develop properly, the fetus must exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide with mom. Oxygen travels through the mother’s heart, lungs, uterus, and placenta finally making its way through the umbilical cord and into the fetus. When the mom exhales, she is releasing carbon dioxide, including what the...
When I think about this question, “I say, how could this even happen?” It is the medical personnel’s job to know what dose and what medication to give. A pharmacist or nurse should be checking this; I trust them to script out and give medication properly. Sadly, this...
So, what is a birth plan? This is a document that lets your doctors/nurses know what your preferences are for things such as managing your labor pain, etc. Now just because you have this plan in writing doesn’t mean you are in control; it just means your team...
I was reading a few articles and I decided to write this blog to give people the same awareness. The stats blew my mind. Heart disease and cancer were #1 and #2 in US for cause of death, but medical error was #3. This is astounding. 250,000 people...