Pregnancy can be a beautiful time for a woman. However, it is also a very sensitive time that cannot afford missteps.

An Ohio doctor had his license suspended in Kentucky when he advised a pregnant patient under his care to continue taking her hypertension medication. It is an obstetrician's duty to take a comprehensive look at a pregnant patients medications and determine if it is safe to continue administering them during the pregnancy.

Reportedly, this woman's fetus died as a result of the continued treatment and obstetrician error. The doctor is reported to have settled for $250,000. This doctor is still permitted to practice in Ohio, although he is only practicing gynecology at this point in time.

He does have to provide quarterly reports to the board. However, in October he was put on probation for two years for a reprimand that has not been disclosed, but this does not mean that he has to stop practicing medicine.

Medical malpractice is a terrifying thought for patients. Particularly pregnant patients when two lives are at stake. Because of the sensitive nature of pregnancy, doctors need to be extremely careful about their decisions and actions. A misstep could be both monetarily and emotionally costly. It is emotionally costly for the victim because it may mean that her child dies or is not born fully healthy. Additionally, it could be financially costly for the doctor because he or she may have to pay the damages for their error.

Source: Cincinnati.com, "Christ hospital hires suspended obstetrician," May 29, 2012