Medical professionals are fully aware that a great deal of responsibility is involved in ensuring that the amount of care provided to the mother during the course of pregnancy and birth is of a high standard. There is always a great amount of risk involved in handling a pregnancy case, as complications can happen, therefore every step should be taken to prevent any complications from arising. The treatment of care should be continued during and after the pregnancy, as a failure to do so can result in great pain and suffering for the mother. The child can also suffer in the long-term. Fortunately, in most cases the process flows smoothly for the mother and child.  However, in some cases, complications occur during the process, which results in injury to the birth mother and baby.  There are a wide range of medical professionals that are responsible for the welfare of the mother, not just the obstetrician. These can include nurses, midwives, and any other medical practitioner.

Injuries to mothers

There are a number of different instances where medical negligence can occur, however one of the most common occurrences of medical negligence are injuries sustained by mothers as a result of incorrect stitching after episiotomy. Episiotomy is the procedure that allows extra room for the baby to ease delivery. If this wound is not correctly stitched, it can cause a great deal of pain and suffering to the mother. Another type of common injury is vaginal tear. In most cases, vaginal tears are stitched under local anaesthesia using sutures which dissolve over a period of time. However, if the tear is not observed and investigated properly, it can result in further pain and discomfort for the mother.

Injuries to babies

Erb's palsy

This is the type of condition that can occur if too much pressure is applied on the babys head and neck. It is normally as a result of birth trauma and can affect 1 or all of the 5 primary nerves that supply the movement and feeling to the arm. The results of this type of injury can vary from child to child depending on the situation. The extent of the damage to each nerve can range from bruising to tearing. Some babies are able to make a full recovery on their own; however some may require special assistance.

Cerebral Palsy

This is another type of condition that affects thousands of children in the UK. Cerebral palsy is caused by damage to the brain which can occur before, during or soon after birth. These symptoms can vary from child to child. Some have had problems walking, whilst others have become permanently disabled. It has been estimated that around 10% of children have it as a result of medical negligence during birth. Cerebral palsy can be prevented, as it occurs as a result of oxygen deprivation during a traumatic birth.   

How do you make a medical negligence claim?

If you or your children have suffered injury as a direct result of medical negligence during pregnancy or childbirth, you may be entitled to compensation. We understand that you will have undergone great stress and trauma as a result of the injury; therefore we shall do our best to help you. Our clinical negligence solicitors have a vast amount of experience in this area, and will assess your case individually with compassion.