OBSTETRIC CHOLESTASIS COMPENSATION
MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE CLAIM
MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE CLAIM
Obstetric cholestasis is a rare liver disorder the symptoms of which include severe itching and affects about one-in-a-thousand pregnancies in the United Kingdom. The condition can pose a serious threat to the unborn child if it is not recognised and subsequently treated at an early stage.
It is believed that the high oestrogen levels in pregnancy slow down the flow of bile creating a build up of bile salts which can cause severe itching and may subsequently cause jaundice. The condition may lead to fatigue, nausea, urinary tract infections, jaundice and there is a 20 per cent risk of postpartum haemorrhage if left untreated. Due to potential danger to the unborn child a baby may have to be induced early if the situation worsens near to the anticipated delivery time.
Although obstetric cholestasis is fairly rare, doctors and nurses should be able to recognise the warning signs, especially when a patient is itching a lot more than normal during pregnancy. Although itching occurs naturally during pregnancy, if there is any sign of jaundice, or the itching becomes unbearable, the doctor should carry out a blood test to confirm whether or not obstetric cholestasis is present.
If you think you have been the victim of medical negligence through the inability of your healthcare provider to properly diagnose and treat obstetric cholestasis, you will need to speak to a specialist solicitor about claiming compensation.