Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication that can place both mother and baby at risk. It is linked to high blood pressure, and it can also affect the kidneys, liver, brain, and placenta. In many cases, the early warning signs can be picked up during routine antenatal care. When those signs are missed, ignored, or not acted on quickly enough, the consequences can be devastating.
In Ireland, research has shown that preeclampsia affects a significant number of pregnancies. Although many women receive safe and appropriate care, some families are left facing avoidable harm because warning signs were not recognised or treatment was delayed. In those circumstances, questions may arise about whether medical negligence played a role.
What is preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia is a condition that usually develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy, although it can also arise shortly after birth. It is often identified through raised blood pressure and protein in the urine, which is why regular antenatal appointments are so important.
The condition can range from mild to severe. In some cases, symptoms develop gradually. In others, they worsen very quickly. If left untreated, preeclampsia can lead to serious complications, including seizures, stroke, organ damage, placental problems, premature delivery, and stillbirth.
What warning signs should be picked up?
Some warning signs of preeclampsia are detected by medical professionals during check-ups. Others may be reported by the pregnant woman herself. Common warning signs include:
High blood pressure
Raised blood pressure is one of the clearest warning signs. It should be monitored carefully during pregnancy, and any concerning readings should be properly assessed.
Protein in the urine
Protein in the urine can be a sign that preeclampsia is affecting kidney function. Where there is suspicion of preeclampsia, further testing may be needed.
Severe swelling
Swelling in the feet and ankles can be common in pregnancy, but sudden or significant swelling, especially in the face or hands, may be more concerning.
Persistent headaches
A severe headache that does not improve can be a warning sign, particularly when combined with high blood pressure.
Visual disturbance
Blurred vision, flashing lights, or other visual changes can suggest that preeclampsia is becoming more serious.
Upper abdominal pain, nausea, or breathlessness
These symptoms may also point to a worsening condition, and they should not be dismissed without proper assessment.
How missed warning signs occur
Preeclampsia is not always preventable, but prompt diagnosis and management can make a very significant difference. Good care may involve closer monitoring, referral to hospital, medication, or making a decision to deliver the baby early where necessary.
The problem arises when warning signs are missed or when they are seen but not treated with the urgency required. For example, concerns may arise where:
- blood pressure readings were abnormal, but not followed up properly
- symptoms reported by the patient were dismissed
- test results were not acted on in time
- there was a delay in referring the patient to hospital
- senior review was not sought when the clinical picture worsened
- delivery was delayed despite clear signs of danger to mother or baby
In these situations, a family may be left wondering whether earlier intervention could have prevented injury, illness, or loss.
How can negligence happen?
Not every poor outcome means that negligence occurred. Preeclampsia can be complex, and even with good treatment, serious complications can still arise. However, there are cases where the care provided falls below the standard that should reasonably be expected.
Examples of potential negligence may include a failure to recognise established symptoms, a failure to monitor a high-risk pregnancy properly, a delay in diagnosing preeclampsia, or a failure to escalate concerns to the appropriate hospital team. There may also be cases where a baby should have been delivered sooner, but that opportunity was missed.
In legal terms, a negligence claim usually involves showing that the care was substandard and that this failure caused avoidable harm. That harm may affect the mother, the baby, or both.
The impact on mothers and families
The effects of missed preeclampsia can be profound. Some women go on to suffer seizures, stroke, organ damage, or long-term health complications. Babies may suffer oxygen deprivation, premature birth complications, or, in the most tragic cases, stillbirth or neonatal death.
Alongside the physical effects, there is often a major emotional impact. Many families struggle with grief, trauma, anxiety, and unanswered questions. They may feel that they were not listened to, or that warning signs were minimised when they should have prompted urgent action.
When should legal advice be considered?
Legal advice may be worth considering where there is a concern that symptoms were ignored, diagnosis was delayed, or treatment was not provided in time. A solicitor can examine the medical records, obtain expert opinion, and advise on whether the care fell below an acceptable standard.
It can also be important to seek advice promptly, because strict time limits may apply to medical negligence claims in Ireland.
An early legal review can help a family understand whether they may have grounds for a claim and what steps can be taken next.
Concerned about missed warning signs of preeclampsia?
If you or your family have been affected by missed warning signs of preeclampsia, it may help to speak with a solicitor who understands the medical and legal issues involved. At McCarthy + Co Solicitors LLP, our medical negligence team approaches these types of cases with care, sensitivity, and a clear focus on getting answers for our clients. Arrange a time to speak with an experienced solicitor here by completing our quick and confidential online form.
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