Mismanagement of pregnancy results in stillbirth
Amy was delighted when she discovered she was pregnant for a second time. Amy already had a young son and so she hoped for a girl, but she would have been happy as long as the baby was healthy. Her care was managed by New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton.
Amy was told early on in the pregnancy that she was expecting a girl.
At 36 weeks Amy was told she had vasa praevia (where the umbilical cord becomes trapped under the baby's head). Amy was told that this was very dangerous for the baby because the baby was at risk of haemorrhage and oxygen starvation if the head compressed the umbilical cord. Ultimately if this happened the baby would die and so Amy was told that she would need to have a caesarean section over the next few days.
Amy was admitted to hospital, but after two days her consultant told her that she did not need a caesarean section and discharged her home.
At 38 weeks Amy began to bleed heavily at home. She was rushed into hospital and had an emergency caesarean section performed. However, sadly Amy's baby had died as a result of vasa praevia. Amy was deeply traumatised by what had happened and felt that the consultant had let her down badly.
With the help of medical negligence lawyer Emma Rush, a five figure settlement was achieved in respect of Amy's losses which has ensured Amy can pay for cognitive behavioural therapy sessions to help her to cope with her loss.