World Pre-Eclampsia Day takes place on 22nd May 2025 as part of a month-long initiative to raise awareness of the signs, risks, and long-term implications of pre-eclampsia during pregnancy. This annual awareness day offers an important opportunity to reflect on the broader issue of birth injuries and their impact on families. Here, we take a look at the topic of birth injuries and how medical negligence claims can help families to seek answers and a sense of justice.
What Is Pre-Eclampsia?
Pre-eclampsia is a serious condition that can affect women both during pregnancy, typically after 20 weeks, and up to six weeks postpartum. It is associated with issues with the development of the placenta resulting in a disruption in the blood supply between mother and baby.
Pre-eclampsia is characterised by high blood pressure and protein in urine which are usually picked up in routine antenatal monitoring. Symptoms include severe headache, blurred/flashing vision, pain just below the ribs, shortness of breath, vomiting and sudden swelling of the face, hands or feet. Treatment requires specialist review, intervention to address the signs and symptoms, and regular monitoring until the baby is ready to be delivered.
Whilst pre-eclampsia is a treatable condition when caught early, delays in diagnosis or poor medical management can have serious consequences for both mother and baby. In the most severe cases, such complications can be life threatening for mother and baby, but even the less severe cases may lead to preventable birth injuries.
What Are Birth Injuries?
Birth injuries refer to physical harm sustained by a baby or mother during the process of childbirth. While some are unavoidable, others occur as a direct result of medical negligence. This could include the mismanagement of labour, a delay in recognising signs of distress, or the failure to act on known risk factors such as high blood pressure or abnormal scans.
Avoidable errors in care can cause injuries to the baby including brain damage, shoulder dystocia, Erb’s Palsy and brachial plexus injuries, Cerebral Palsy, Meconium Aspiration Syndrome, spinal cord injuries, and stillbirth. In some cases, mothers may also suffer lasting damage from complications that were not properly monitored or addressed in time.
The Link Between Pre-Eclampsia and Medical Negligence
When not carefully managed, pre-eclampsia can escalate quickly, potentially resulting in eclampsia, placental abruption, or even stillbirth. Despite being relatively common and well-documented, failures in detecting or responding to pre-eclampsia still occur. When these lead to serious injury or long-term health complications, families may be entitled to bring a birth injury claim to seek redress and support.
Support for Families Affected by Birth Injuries
Taking legal action after a birth injury is not just about compensation; it’s about getting answers, securing future care for your child or yourself, and highlighting failings so that others may not suffer in the same way.
At O’Donnell Solicitors, our team of Clinical Negligence Solicitors understands the emotional toll this process can take. We provide clear advice, compassionate support, and specialist representation every step of the way.
If you believe your family has been affected by a birth injury linked to pre-eclampsia or another form of medical negligence, contact our team for a free, confidential discussion.
