Necrotising fasciitis is a progressive infection that can affect anyone, although women are more at risk after giving birth.
In this article we explore necrotising fasciitis during and after pregnancy in more detail.
Infections in pregnancy
Necrotising fasciitis is very rare in pregnant women. However, we have dealt with a case in which a woman developed an abscess in her groin during pregnancy. She subsequently developed the necrotising fasciitis infection and became critically unwell.
Therefore necrotising fasciitis can affect pregnant women, particularly if there is a causative factor such as an abscess or a pre-existing infection (for example, MRSA). When this happens, treatment must be given immediately or both the mother and the unborn baby could be harmed.
In the case we handled the patient was told her symptoms could be attributed to pregnancy. She was sent home from hospital and became seriously ill. An emergency C-section was later carried out as the mother was too unwell to give birth.
Thankfully both mother and baby survived. Nevertheless, it took a prolonged recovery in Intensive Care and has left permanent physical and psychological injuries. This could have been avoided, had doctors realised she had necrotising fasciitis when she first presented.
Necrotising fasciitis after pregnancy
There is a greater risk that a woman will develop necrotising fasciitis after giving birth. This is especially true if the mother has diabetes or had a caesarean section.
Diabetic patients are more susceptible to infection because high blood sugar levels can weaken the immune system. When an infection develops, the body is not able to fight it off in the same way non-diabetic patients might.
Women who have C-sections are more susceptible to infection because the surgical wound gives the bacteria an opportunity to get inside the body. This is true of all surgical sites, although abdominal surgery is particularly associated with post-operative infection. The gut has naturally occurring bacteria which can readily get into a wound, such as a C-section scar.
If necrotising fasciitis does occur after a patient gives birth, a diagnosis must be made immediately and treatment given without delay.
Talk to a solicitor today
If you suffered necrotising fasciitis during pregnancy, or shortly after giving birth, have you considered the standard of care that was provided? If the infection was not diagnosed and treated within a reasonable amount of time, there may be a case of medical negligence.
To talk to a solicitor about claiming for poor medical care, please contact us today.
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