The Importance of Recognising Blood Clot Risks During Pregnancy
Posted on in Medical Negligence
The recent BBC article reporting the death of 24-year-old Charlene Wakley and her unborn baby is a heartbreaking reminder of the importance of recognising blood clot risks during pregnancy and acting on them appropriately.
Charlene, from Honiton in Devon, died in February 2021 under the care of Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital after developing a pulmonary embolism at nine weeks pregnant. A pulmonary embolism happens when a blood clot travels to the lungs and blocks the blood supply. It is a medical emergency, and, without prompt diagnosis and treatment, it can be fatal.
The loss of Charlene and her unborn baby has had a devastating impact on her family. Speaking to the BBC, Charlene's father Adrian described the unbearable heartbreak that has followed her death. For her family, the pain of losing a much-loved daughter, sister and unborn baby remains unbearably difficult.
Whilst no article can lessen that loss, Charlene's story highlights important lessons about patient safety, listening to concerns and recognising when a patient may be at increased risk of serious complications.
Charlene's Story
Charlene was excited to become a mother. However, her pregnancy was not straightforward.
She developed severe hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), a condition that goes far beyond ordinary morning sickness. Women suffering from HG can experience persistent vomiting, dehydration, significant weight loss, exhaustion and difficulty carrying out even basic daily activities.
The BBC reported that Charlene attended the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on three occasions as her condition worsened. Tragically, shortly after her third admission, she collapsed at home and told her partner she could not breathe.
Despite emergency treatment, Charlene could not be saved.
A post-mortem examination later confirmed she had died from a pulmonary embolism caused by a blood clot.
What Did the Investigation Find?
Following Charlene's death, her case was investigated by the Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch (HSIB), now known as the Health Services Safety Investigations Body (HSSIB).
The investigation identified concerns about the care Charlene received and whether the risks associated with her condition had been fully recognised.
According to the findings, the impact of Charlene's severe hyperemesis gravidarum was not fully understood. Investigators also found there was no acknowledgement of the increased risk of developing blood clots associated with her condition.
These findings are significant because women experiencing severe pregnancy sickness, dehydration, reduced mobility and repeated hospital admissions can be at a higher risk of developing dangerous blood clots.
The NHS Trust later apologised to Charlene's family and accepted that aspects of her care were not always of the appropriate standard.
For many families affected by medical negligence, an apology can never replace what has been lost. However, acknowledging failings is an important step towards understanding what went wrong and ensuring lessons are learned.
Why Ongoing Risk Assessment Matters
One of the key issues highlighted by Charlene's case is the importance of ongoing risk assessment throughout pregnancy.
National maternity guidance recognises that a woman's circumstances can change during pregnancy. Risk assessments should therefore be reviewed regularly, particularly when new concerns arise or when a patient needs hospital treatment.
Risk assessments are not simply paperwork exercises. They are designed to identify patients who may need additional monitoring, preventative treatment or further investigation.
The findings in Charlene's case raise concerns about whether opportunities to recognise and respond to those risks were missed.
Recognising the Warning Signs
A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that usually develops in a deep vein in the leg. If part of the clot breaks away and travels to the lungs, it can cause a pulmonary embolism.
Possible symptoms of a blood clot may include:
- Swelling in one leg.
- Pain or tenderness in the calf or leg.
- Redness or warmth of the skin.
- Sudden shortness of breath.
- Chest pain.
- A rapid heartbeat.
- Feeling faint or dizzy.
- Collapse.
Not everyone will experience all of these symptoms. Sometimes the signs can be subtle, which is why awareness of risk factors is so important.
Charlene's story demonstrates why recognising risk factors, listening to patients and responding appropriately to an evolving clinical presentation can make all the difference.
The hope is that by learning from tragedies such as this, future patients and their families may be spared the devastating consequences of missed opportunities and avoidable harm.
How Our Medical Negligence Team Can Help
Cases involving blood clots, delayed diagnosis, maternity care and avoidable deaths are often complex and emotionally challenging for families.
Many people come to us not only because they want answers, but because they want to understand whether more could and should have been done to prevent what happened.
Our specialist medical negligence team have experience investigating cases involving:
- Delayed diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).
- Failures to carry out appropriate risk assessments.
- Missed opportunities to provide preventative treatment.
- Maternity care and pregnancy-related complications.
- Fatal medical negligence claims and inquests.
If you would like to speak to one of our specialist medical negligence lawyers, please contact our team for a confidential discussion.