Pre-eclampsia compensation claims

Pre-eclampsia is usually diagnosed through a combination of clinical assessments carried out during routine antenatal care. Since symptoms can be mild or absent in the early stages, diagnosis often relies on monitoring rather than how a woman feels.

A diagnosis is typically based on raised blood pressure readings taken on more than one occasion, urine tests showing protein, blood tests assessing liver and kidney function and platelet levels, and an assessment of symptoms such as headaches, visual changes, or upper abdominal pain.

If pre-eclampsia is suspected, monitoring is usually increased. This may include more frequent blood pressure checks, additional blood and urine tests, and scans to monitor the baby’s growth and wellbeing.

Certain factors are known to increase the likelihood of developing pre-eclampsia during pregnancy. Common risk factors include:

• A first pregnancy
• A previous history of pre-eclampsia
• A multiple pregnancy such as twins or triplets
• Pre-existing high blood pressure
• Kidney disease
• Diabetes
• Autoimmune conditions
• Obesity
• A maternal age over 40

Having one or more risk factors does not mean pre-eclampsia will definitely develop, but it does mean that closer monitoring is needed. Women identified as higher risk should receive appropriate care, with clear action taken if blood pressure rises or other warning signs emerge.

Monitoring for pre-eclampsia is a routine and essential part of antenatal care. Maternity professionals should be checking blood pressure regularly, testing urine for protein, and asking about symptoms that may indicate early pre-eclampsia. These symptoms include headaches, visual changes, swelling, or upper abdominal pain.

Where concerns are identified, care should be escalated promptly. This may involve more frequent monitoring, further blood tests, and referral to specialist maternity teams. The NICE guidelines set out clear standards for how pre-eclampsia should be identified, monitored, and managed, and any significant departure from those standards may indicate negligence.

Yes. Pre-eclampsia can be managed through careful monitoring, medication to control blood pressure, and where necessary, early delivery if the risks of continuing the pregnancy are too great. After delivery, blood pressure and symptoms usually improve, although some women continue to need monitoring and treatment.

Prompt and appropriate treatment plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of serious complications. Delays or failures in managing pre-eclampsia, including delayed escalation or failure to follow NICE guidelines, can increase the risk of serious harm to both mother and baby.

Negligence may have occurred if the care you received fell below an acceptable standard, and led to avoidable harm to you or your baby. In pre-eclampsia cases, this often involves missed warning signs, delayed diagnosis, poor blood pressure monitoring, or delays in escalating care or providing appropriate treatment.

The best way to find out whether negligence occurred is to speak to a specialist solicitor. At Fletchers, we can review your circumstances, obtain your medical records, and arrange independent medical evidence to assess whether your care met expected standards. This includes looking at your case in line with NICE guidelines for pre-eclampsia management.

It may be possible to make a pre-eclampsia claim if complications arose after birth, which is sometimes called postpartum pre-eclampsia. We will need to prove that your postnatal symptoms were not recognised or treated appropriately. Claims may arise where postnatal care fell below acceptable standards and resulted in avoidable harm.

In most cases, you have three years from the date you became aware of the harm caused by negligent care to bring a claim. However, there are important exceptions. For example, where a child has been harmed, the three-year period does not begin until the child turns 18.

Time limits in clinical negligence cases can be complex, so it’s important to seek specialist advice as early as possible. We will always be clear with you about whether a claim is viable and what the relevant time limits are in your situation.

In most cases, yes. We handle pre-eclampsia claims on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis, which means you can pursue answers and accountability without financial risk. We will explain the funding arrangements clearly before you commit to anything, so you always know where you stand.