Claims for physical injuries to mothers during pregnancy or delivery
Our medical negligence solicitors pursue compensation claim cases for mothers injured as a result of pregnancy or birth.
Pre-eclampsia
Towards the end of pregnancy, pregnant women will sometimes need close monitoring to ensure that they can continue safely with the pregnancy. Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a particular risk and can cause pre-eclampsia. The symptoms of pre-eclampsia include headaches and blurred vision. Pre-eclampsia is dangerous for both mother and unborn baby. Pre-eclampsia can lead to maternal stroke, impaired liver function, seizures and, in severe cases, maternal death. The only 'cure' for pre-eclampsia is delivery of the baby.
Negligence claims for pre-eclampsia can arise from the failure to monitor or failure to diagnose pre-eclampsia.
Injuries during delivery
Whilst the vast majority of mothers deliver without sustaining any significant long term injury, sometimes that is not the case. Injuries can include perineal tears, injuries to the bladder, urethra or symphysis pubis or haemorrhage.
The perineum is the area of skin and muscle between the vagina and anus. Risk of perineal injury is increased with use of forceps during delivery and it is more likely in first time mothers. It is also more likely with a large baby, long labours and where shoulder dystocia has occurred. Tearing can occur with the passage of the fetal head. Episiotomy is sometimes performed to reduce the risk of severe tearing. Tears are categorised according to severity. The most severe categories are third and fourth degree tears which involve the anal sphincter muscle. Tears can lead to bowel incontinence. Sustaining a tear is, in itself, not evidence of negligent treatment. Often it is an unavoidable consequence of delivery. Negligence claims for perineal or anal sphincter injury can arise from the failure to detect and therefore repair the injury. The techniques involved in repair can also sometimes be criticised.
Bladder and urethral injuries can occur during vaginal delivery or caesarean section. Injury during vaginal delivery is usually the result of the baby pressing on the bladder or urethra during labour. Urethral injuries are more common in caesarean sections as a result of direct laceration.
Injuries can also occur to the uterus as a result of uterine rupture. Uterine rupture occurs most commonly during labour and is an obstetric emergency, putting the lives of both mother an unborn child at risk. The most common risk factor for uterine rupture is attempting a vaginal delivery after a previous caesarean section (VBAC). If uterine rupture occurs, emergency caesarean section and uterine repair is carried out and a blood transfusion is often necessary for the mother.
Medical negligence claims can arise from the failure to advise mothers appropriately on the increased risk of uterine rupture in VBAC. Alternatively it can sometimes be possible to argue that a caesarean section should have been performed before the uterine rupture occurred.
Pregnancy compensation claims
For free, expert advice on making a medical negligence claim, click here or call us free on 0800 0382 382. We are available to take your call twenty four hours a day, seven days a week.
If you want to provide some details to us in advance, why not let us assess your claim now.
