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Polyhydramnios is a fairly common pregnancy condition, however, both mother and baby are at an increased risk of complications.
Polyhydramnios claims for compensation
Polyhydramnios is a common condition in pregnancy and whilst the majority of cases are completely harmless to both mother and baby, it is important to note that where suffering has occurred due to polyhydramnios negligence, a claim for compensation may be sought.
Unfortunately, polyhydramnios negligence can arise in a number of ways. This includes a failure to spot or identify the condition. Polyhydramnios is usually identified during routine midwife appointments and ultrasound scans, at the latter stage of pregnancy.
Polyhydramnios also increases the risk of potential injuries to mother and baby, such as post-partum haemorrhage, umbilical cord prolapse or the baby having a health condition. Medical professionals have a duty to inform mothers of these risks and to discuss any potential steps that can be taken to minimise the impact these may have.
Why make a polyhydramnios claim?
A polyhydramnios claim can help to provide financial security by assisting in the cost of future medical expenses, protecting against current and future loss of earnings and providing additional medical treatment as required. This can enable you and your family to focus on what is important, without the stress and worry of financial constraints.
Many families also feel that pursuing a birth injury claim is an important step in the recovery process by ensuring the NHS or private hospital actively reviews the circumstances surrounding their case, in the hope that learnings can be made, and future incidents avoided.
- Specialist birth injury solicitors
- No win, no fee claims
- Independently recognised as experts
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What is polyhydramnios?
Polyhydramnios is the term used when there is too much amniotic fluid around the baby during pregnancy. Amniotic fluid refers to the fluid surrounding the baby, however, when there is too much fluid there is an increased chance of complications.
Polyhydramnios is usually detected during a routine ultrasound scan or midwife appointment, often in the latter stages of pregnancy.
What are the causes of polyhydramnios?
There is often no clear cause of polyhydramnios, however, there are some factors that can increase the possibility of polyhydramnios occurring. These include:
- A twin or multiple pregnancies
- Diabetes in the mother, including gestational diabetes
- Infection during pregnancy
- If the baby has a genetic condition
When the mother presents with one of the above factors, it is important for medical professionals, particularly sonographers to consider that there is an increased risk of polyhydramnios. In instances where this is overlooked and there are adverse effects such as a life-changing injury to the baby, then a polyhydramnios compensation claim may be sought.
- Specialist birth injury solicitors
- No win, no fee claims
- Independently recognised as experts
Polyhydramnios complications
The vast majority of women with polyhydramnios will go on to have a perfectly healthy baby and not experience any associated complications during their pregnancy. However, there is a slight risk of pregnancy and birth complications, including:
- Giving birth prematurely (before 37 weeks)
- Your waters breaking early
- Problems with the position of the umbilical cord (prolapsed umbilical cord)
- Heavy bleeding after the baby is born
- The baby has a health condition and requires medical intervention
During the pregnancy, it may be necessary for a number of tests or checks to be carried out to ensure the safety of both mother and baby. This includes a blood test to check for diabetes, a further scan to examine the baby’s stomach, kidneys and bladder and in some instances amniocentesis. This is where some of the amniotic fluid is removed for testing.
Upon diagnosis of polyhydramnios, a medical professional should discuss the above risks and potential complications as well as discuss any further monitoring that may be required throughout the duration of the pregnancy.
Giving birth if you have polyhydramnios
As there is a slightly increased risk of complications arising, if you have been diagnosed with polyhydramnios it is likely that your midwife or medical professional will encourage you to give birth in a hospital setting. This ensures that you have access to medical specialists as well as any equipment that may be required.
Usually, it will also be possible to wait and go into labour naturally, however, a midwife or medical professional may in some instances advise for labour to be started through induction or an elective caesarean if it is thought that either you or the baby are at risk.
It may also be necessary for additional monitoring of the baby, both during labour and immediately after the birth. This is to ensure that the baby does not have any health condition and to provide prompt treatment if required.
Medical professionals should advise on the above as part of your birthing plan.
Specialist polyhydramnios solicitors
Our team has extensive experience in advising and representing clients in relation to a wide range of birthing and maternity incidents sustained by mothers and children, during pregnancy or post-partum. This includes polyhydramnios claims.
Our team is accredited as one of the leading teams of medical negligence lawyers in the South East, by the Legal 500, a ranking of the UK’s top law firms in various specialist legal areas.
Blackwater Law client testimonial
I believe you went above and beyond the call of duty to do the best job you could, which in turn gave the best possible outcome for me.
Mr Baker, Blackwater Law Client
Blackwater Law successfully represented the family of baby Blake in making a midwife negligence claim after the community midwife failed to notice a severe medical abnormality.
