Mrs N became pregnant with her first child in July 2007. She attended her GP in August 2007 who confirmed the pregnancy and she attended her first midwife appointment on 4 September 2007. Ultrasound was carried out and Mrs N was advised that the baby was due on 3 April 2008.

Mrs N had regular contact with midwives and was reassured throughout the pregnancy that the baby was fine. However in December 2008 she began to feel unusually tired. She would wake during the night and was drinking a lot of fluid. She was told she would be tested for diabetes but this was never actually carried out.

On 25 March 2008 Mrs N was told that her baby was bigger than expected considering the dates. She was seen in Airedale Hospital the following day and an ultrasound scan was carried out. Mrs N was discharged home and advised she would be induced two weeks after the due date if labour had not commenced naturally.

On 3 April 2008 Mrs N noticed the baby was not moving much. She attended the hospital on 4 April 2008 to be checked, and a CTG was carried out. This showed the heart rate was abnormal. However, the CTG was repeated and Mrs N was discharged home that day.

Mrs N attended the hospital again on 6 April 2008 because she felt something was wrong and she had noticed a green/yellow vaginal discharge. Her membranes were ruptured but it was later decided that a caesarean section should be carried out. The baby was stillborn on 7 April 2008.

A post mortem examination confirmed that there had been complications of gestational diabetes. There had been a failure to diagnose and treat this condition during the pregnancy. At the end of April 2008 Mrs N had continued to pass a lot of blood. She underwent a D&C procedure on 9 May 2008 to remove retained product of conception.

As a result of the stillbirth, Mrs N suffered psychiatric symptoms which included flashbacks and she was diagnosed as suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Mr N also suffered from symptoms of poor concentration, finding it difficult to enjoy normal life. He spent a long time crying immediately after the death and is currently suffering from depression.

Blake Lapthorn managed to obtain £27,500 in compensation for Mrs N, and a further £10,000 in compensation for Mr N.



The case was run by Gemma Bailey in the Clinical Negligence Team. For more information please contact Gemma on 02380 857248.