In a recent report published in the Telegraph and highlighted by Applebys Solicitors it was suggested that more than half of stillbirths could be avoided had reasonable care and skill been exercised and appropriate checks been undertaken.
It is suggested within the report (a national audit led by The University of Leicester) that pregnant women should be listened to closely and their concerns be considered seriously and had this been undertaken a number of still births may have been avoided! This is a suggestion that Applebys would reinforce given the types of claims that we have investigated. Applebys own evidence from dealing with many birth injury claims suggest that the findings of this report appear to be true. We see it all too often that the concerns of pregnant women are not being listened to and upon reflection had the midwife/obstetrician acted upon the information being provided at the time, lives could have been saved or harm avoided.
Importance of Check-Ups
Prenatal check-ups and regular attendances with the midwifery services are vitally important. Consistent care throughout the pregnancy may lead to problems being detected quickly and appropriate treatment put into place. It is important that any concerns a mother may have are communicated to her midwife and that the midwife acts upon them and completes any tests that may be appropriate.
What Tests Might an Expectant Mother Receive?
During her pregnancy the mother should expect to see her midwife once every month in the first trimester, twice every month in the second trimester and weekly from 36 weeks onwards.
During the scheduled check-ups various tests should be undertaken to ensure the health of both mother and baby are maintained. These tests should include a full physical examination, bloods to be tested, pelvic examination to check the womb and a cervical examination. Regular review of blood pressure and weight are mandatory as is checking the baby’s heart rate and measuring the abdomen to check the baby’s growth.
Urine tests are vitally important and can assist in the early detection of Diabetes, pre-eclampsia and infection which can potentially lead to premature labour, sepsis and/or death of potentially both mother and child.
Every expectant mother should be tested for anaemia and gestational diabetes and should these be diagnosed immediate treatment should be put into place. If anaemia were to be found and not treated then this could lead to serious complications for the development of the child including kidney issues resulting in jaundice. Additionally, a low iron count could result in the child’s immune system being repressed and the child being susceptible to various forms of infection. With regards to gestational diabetes, were this to be missed the mother could experience difficulties in conceiving further children for example.
Screening tests can be undertaken to help detect any birth defects such as Down Syndrome and Cystic Fibrosis, this is usually completed within the first trimester. Early detection here can result in measures being put in place to assist the management of the pregnancy, labour and after care of the child.
At or around 35 weeks the mother should be tested for Group B Streptococcus, this is an important test to ascertain whether there is a harmful bacteria lying within the uterus that can cause pneumonia or serious infection to the new-born baby. Should this be diagnosed, treatment needs to be implemented quickly and the birthing plan needs to be amended as both mother and child will require treatment immediately after birth.
Ultrasound examinations are normally completed at 12 and 20 weeks. Although these are a great way for the expectant mother to see her child and may assist with the bonding process, they are medically required to ensure that your child is growing at the normal rate and to detect any potential birth defects. These examinations can also assist to predict any potential difficulties during labour and to ascertain whether delivery would be best served by way of Caesarean Section.
How Can We Help?
If you consider that appropriate tests have not been undertaken or that your concerns were not listened to then Applebys all female team, who have aided hundreds of woman who have suffered from birth injuries and pregnancy related issues, may be able to help!
For a confidential discussion please contact Carol Cook FREE on 0800 169 1325 or e-mail carol.cook@applebys-law.co.uk