Labour Warning Signs That Require Urgent Action

For most families, childbirth is expected to be a safe and meticulously managed process. However, warning signs can be missed, ignored, or not acted upon, turning childbirth into a medical emergency with often life-changing consequences. 

Pregnancies can be low-risk or high-risk, which is important to consider when assessing any warning signs that arise during labour. Typically, a low-risk pregnancy involves a mother who has no pre-existing health conditions, the pregnancy has not incurred any complications, and there are no indicators of an adverse outcome. Standard monitoring of such patients is considered sufficient. Conversely, high-risk pregnancy involves a mother who is more at risk of adverse outcomes – this could be due to pre-existing conditions, issues arising during pregnancy, or sudden complications in labour. Most importantly, however, risk within pregnancy is not fixed – both low-risk and high-risk mothers could require urgent reassessment if complications arise at any point during pregnancy or labour.

If a healthcare provider has failed to appropriately identify and act upon warning signs during labour, this may constitute medical negligence. Where this results in harm, there may be an entitlement to compensation.

This article will summarise the warning signs that can arise during childbirth, both for the mother and baby. Focus will be placed on what signs to remain vigilant for, and the level of care expected in these circumstances.

Key Warning Signs

Many patients are often not aware of what warning signs to look for during labour. The lists below cover some of the key symptoms that may indicate an issue for the mother, and/or the baby, in childbirth.

In the mother:

·         Fever above 38° or signs of infection

·         Excessive bleeding

·         Abnormal pain (beyond typical contractions)

·         Tachycardia

·         Severe hypertension or pre-eclampsia indicators

In the baby:

·         Meconium-stained amniotic fluid

·         Abnormal CTG readings

·         Non-cephalic presentation (not in the usual position)

·         Reduced or alarming foetal movements

Negligence 

Where warning signs have arisen during labour, the standard of care provided may have been negligent, particularly if any of the following occur:

·         Delayed assessment or intervention

·         Delays in pain relief or treatment

·         Missed or delayed action of abnormalities

·         Failure to provide one-to-one care throughout labour 

This concern is supported by national data. The 2021-2023 MBRRACE-UK report found that in 83% of deaths related to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, an improvement to the quality of care may have made a difference to the outcome. This emphasises the critical need for adequate responses to warning signs throughout maternity care.

There ought to be careful consideration of the correct method of delivery for the individual and the type of delivery that is indicated in the circumstances. For some vaginal delivery is preferred, but for other women caesarean section is sensible.

Each pregnancy is unique.

While not all complications can be prevented, negligence in care can and does occur. Healthcare professionals owe a duty of care to mothers and their baby in labour, and if this is breached, causing injury or harm resulting in damage, then there is potential for a clinical negligence claim. In the context of birth claims, importance tends to be placed on whether warning signs were appropriately identified and acted upon, and whether delays in treatment made a material difference to the outcome.

Conclusion 

Every mother and baby is entitled to safe and attentive care during labour.  While many births proceed safely, some can end in serious and life-changing outcomes from negligent care when warning signs are missed or treatment is delayed.

Experiencing complications during labour can be distressing and traumatic, for both mothers and families. If you have experienced birth injury or need legal guidance, our team is here to help. For more information or to discuss your case, contact our Clinical Negligence division.

How Forbes Solicitors Can Help You

At Forbes Solicitors, our expert Clinical Negligence team can discuss your experience, assess whether the care you received fell below an acceptable standard, and determine whether you may have grounds for a claim. We provide support and offer consultations via telephone, video call, or in any of our offices.