Baby dies when doctor fails to monitor blood pressure

When Rebecca fell pregnant with her first child she took every precaution to monitor both of their health as she had a history of kidney disease. Since childhood, she saw a kidney specialist on a six monthly basis which increased to three monthly during her pregnancy.

For the first five months of her pregnancy Rebecca suffered from severe headaches and morning sickness but her urine tests were satisfactory. She underwent a private 12 week scan as well as the standard 20 week scan which both confirmed her baby was healthy.

Her blood pressure and a urine samples were taken again at an appointment with the midwife and no abnormalities were found.

Rebecca began to develop back pain which was painful at night and prevented her from sleeping. The pain increased and on one occasion she had to phone NHS Direct who advised her that it could be early labour and to consult her GP.

She attended the GP with her pregnancy notes and described her symptoms to him. The GP diagnosed the pain to be a water infection, Rebecca explained that the pain was different to her previous infections but he maintained his view and tested her urine which showed protein was present. Rebecca asked if he would check her blood pressure but the doctor insisted that there was no need to do so.

The doctor did not record anything in her pregnancy notes. He advised her to go home and take paracetamol 4 hourly until her test results came back.

However Rebecca's symptoms did not improve. She returned to her GP surgery but this time saw a different doctor. Her blood pressure was found to be high and high levels of protein were found in her urine.

Rebecca was admitted to hospital and in light of the severity of her symptoms she underwent an emergency caesarean section.

Rebecca's daughter was born weighing just 12ozs but sadly she survived only a week.

When Rebecca approached Bond Pearce she was desperate for someone to help her make sure that no one else would have to go through her traumatic experience.

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If you would like to seek expert legal advice relating to this case study or any other injury claim please complete the online enquiry form or call 0800 915 4650