Antenatal cases

Here are some common case types we can assist with:

 Antenatal screening and diagnostic testing

We provide in-depth analysis for cases involving concerns around antenatal screening, Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT), and anomaly scans. Our experts can assess whether screening procedures were carried out to current professional standards and whether results, risks, and recommendations were communicated and followed up correctly and whether any relevant referrals were made to specialists.

 Booking and risk assessment

Initial antenatal booking and accurate risk assessment are critical to ensuring safe maternity journeys eg diabetes screening, pre-eclampsia screening. We review cases where alleged failures in early assessment or documentation led to missed risk factors, affecting ongoing care and potentially resulted in preventable harm.

 Routine antenatal care

We can review all routine antenatal care provided by midwives . Our expert witnesses investigate whether antenatal check, symphysis fundal height measurement, blood pressure monitoring, and all other elements of antenatal care were conducted in accordance with guidelines, and whether any deviation contributed to harm.

  Management of reduced fetal movements

Our independent experts evaluate cases featuring reduced fetal movements. We can provide opinion on whether current guidance was followed by midwives and whether appropriate referrals and escalation occurred including reviewing any associated CTGs and antenatal records to assess the wider antenatal picture.

  Pre-eclampsia and pregnancy-induced hypertension/HELLP syndrome

We analyse antenatal records and midwifery care provision to determine if risk-assessing, monitoring, and detection of pre-eclampsia or related hypertensive disorders were managed and escalated according to national guidelines.

 Venous thromboembolism (VTE) screening

We analyse antenatal records and midwifery care provision to determine if risk-assessing, monitoring, and detection of VTE or related clotting disorders were managed and escalated according to national guidelines

  Gestational diabetes screening and management

Failure to screen for, diagnose, or appropriately manage gestational diabetes can lead to significant complications for mother and baby. We analyse antenatal records and midwifery care provision to determine if risk-assessing, monitoring, and detection of gestational diabetes or management of pre-existing diabetes were in line with national guidelines

  Group B strep (GBS)

Our team evaluates negligence in screening, communicating, monitoring or treating Group B strep in mother and neonates, highlighting whether lapses occurred and the impact on maternal and infant outcomes.

  Multiple pregnancy care

Managing twin or higher order pregnancies involves added clinical complexity. Our midwifery experts can review antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal midwifery care for these pregnancies.

 Midwifery care outside of guidance

We offer professional scrutiny in cases where midwifery care departed from accepted guidance as is becoming more common.

Maternal death inquiries

We can also be relied on for independent expert evidence where a maternal death has occurred. Our senior midwifery experts investigate case records, risk assessments, and clinical decision making, helping solicitors establish facts and root causes with objectivity.