The Warning Signs of Preeclampsia That Should Never Be Ignored
Posted on in Medical Negligence
World Preeclampsia Day is an important opportunity to raise awareness of a condition that can develop quickly during and after pregnancy and, in some cases, can have devastating consequences for both mother and baby. As a medical negligence lawyer, I have seen first-hand the lasting impact that missed or delayed diagnosis of preeclampsia can have on families and the importance of early diagnosis and prompt treatment.
What is Preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia is a condition that affects some women during pregnancy, usually after 20 weeks, although it can also develop shortly after birth. It is commonly associated with high blood pressure and protein in the urine, but the symptoms are not always obvious and can sometimes be mistaken for normal pregnancy discomfort.
Many women are aware that swelling can be common during pregnancy, but sudden or severe swelling, particularly in the face, hands, or feet, can be a warning sign. Persistent headaches, changes in vision such as blurring or flashing lights, pain beneath the ribs, nausea, vomiting, and sudden shortness of breath should also never be ignored. Some women describe simply feeling that something is not right, and it is vital that this instinct is not dismissed.
One of the concerns I encounter in cases involving preeclampsia is that symptoms are not always recognised or escalated appropriately. In some situations, women attend appointments or contact healthcare professionals multiple times before the seriousness of their condition is identified. Delays in monitoring blood pressure, arranging further investigations, or acting on abnormal results can have catastrophic consequences.
How Preeclampsia Can Affect Mother and Baby
Preeclampsia can affect the placenta and reduce the baby’s oxygen and nutrient supply. In severe cases, it can lead to placental abruption (where the placenta partially or completely separates from the wall of the womb before the baby is born), premature birth, seizures known as eclampsia, stroke, or tragically, stillbirth.
It is also important to recognise that preeclampsia does not always end with delivery. Postnatal, or postpartum, preeclampsia can develop in the days or weeks after birth, including after a seemingly uncomplicated pregnancy. Symptoms can mirror those experienced antenatally.
When a Diagnosis of Preeclampsia Is Missed
In my role as a medical negligence lawyer and as a trustee for a baby loss and neonatal death charity, I have supported families who have experienced unimaginable loss following failures to diagnose or treat preeclampsia appropriately. While no legal process can undo that harm, answers and accountability can be important for many families, particularly where there are concerns that opportunities to prevent tragedy were missed.
I acted for a family who tragically lost their baby girl at 40 weeks’ gestation following a failure to diagnose preeclampsia. Although the mother was full term and had raised concerns throughout her pregnancy, opportunities to recognise the seriousness of her condition were missed.
At a midwifery appointment at 34 weeks, she was found to have high blood pressure and protein in her urine, which are both recognised warning signs of preeclampsia, but her care was not escalated. Over the following six weeks, she attended hospital on multiple occasions. Her blood pressure remained elevated, protein continued to be present in her urine, and she developed swelling in her legs. Despite this, no intervention took place.
At 40 weeks, she was advised that her labour would be induced at the next available opportunity and was discharged home. Overnight, she became concerned that her bump had changed shape and returned to hospital for assessment. She was reassured and discharged once again.
Later that day, she went into labour at home. When she returned to hospital, her blood pressure was dangerously high and, tragically, a fetal heartbeat could not be found. Her baby daughter had died overnight.
Despite repeatedly seeking medical help and doing everything she could to protect her baby, her concerns had not been fully recognised. She had suffered a placental abruption, reducing the baby’s oxygen supply. She required an emergency caesarean section and suffered a life-threatening haemorrhage.
Long-Term Effects on the Mother and Family
The emotional and physical consequences for her were profound. She was later diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, a depressive episode, and fibromyalgia. She also faced uncertainty about whether she would be able to have another child. The trauma affected every aspect of her life, including her ability to continue in her previous employment. She later retrained and was only able to return to work on a part-time basis.
She pursued a legal claim in relation to the loss of her daughter, the injuries she suffered, and the significant financial impact the events had on her life. Liability was admitted, and she received an apology from the treating obstetrician.
Cases involving the loss of a baby are heartbreaking. Behind every investigation or legal claim is a family trying to understand what happened and whether different care could have changed the outcome. Many parents describe feeling that their concerns were not fully heard or that warning signs were overlooked. These experiences highlight why continued awareness and improvements in maternity care remain so important.
World Preeclampsia Day is not only about education; it is also about encouraging women to trust their instincts and seek medical advice if they are worried during pregnancy or after birth. Persistent symptoms should always be taken seriously, and women should feel empowered to ask questions or seek further assessment where necessary.
How Tozers can help
If you or your family have been affected by concerns surrounding the diagnosis or management of preeclampsia, specialist legal advice may help you understand what happened and whether mistakes were made. For more information, please contact Tozers LLP or speak to a member of our medical negligence team.