Missed Diagnosis in Pregnancy Compensation Claims

Pregnancy is a time when women rely heavily on medical professionals to identify risks, interpret symptoms and provide reassurance. When concerns are overlooked or warning signs are not properly investigated, the consequences can be serious for both mother and baby.

A missed or delayed diagnosis during pregnancy can lead to avoidable complications, emergency delivery, birth injury or, in some cases, loss. For many families, the most difficult part is not knowing whether earlier action could have made a difference.

If you believe a condition during your pregnancy was missed, misdiagnosed or not treated appropriately, you may be entitled to bring a medical negligence compensation claim.

We support families in Plymouth, and across Devon and Cornwall, providing care and clarity while recognising that pregnancy-related concerns are deeply personal and often emotionally complex.

  • A missed diagnosis occurs when a condition that should reasonably have been identified during routine antenatal care is not recognised, investigated or followed up appropriately. This can involve overlooked symptoms, misinterpreted test results or a failure to refer for further assessment. Independent expert review is required to determine whether the standard of care fell below what would reasonably be expected.

  • In some cases, yes. Conditions such as pre-eclampsia, infection or growth restriction can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly. However, not every adverse outcome is the result of negligence. The key question is whether earlier diagnosis and treatment would likely have prevented or reduced the harm.

  • Many women describe feeling uneasy during pregnancy but being told that everything appeared normal. If symptoms were reported and not properly investigated, or reassurance was given without appropriate checks, this may be relevant. A detailed review of the medical records can help establish whether concerns were handled appropriately.

  • Yes. A delayed diagnosis can be just as significant if earlier treatment would likely have improved the outcome. The legal assessment focuses on whether the delay fell below acceptable standards and whether it made a material difference.

  • In most cases, you have three years from the date you became aware that negligent care may have contributed. If the claim relates to your child, different time limits may apply and we would be able to advise.

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Pregnancy Misdiagnosis Compensation Claims | Plymouth Medical Negligence Solicitors | Missed Diagnosis in Pregnancy Claims

What is a Missed Diagnosis in Pregnancy compensation claim?

A missed diagnosis in pregnancy claim arises where healthcare professionals fail to identify, investigate or treat a condition that should reasonably have been recognised during antenatal care.

Examples may include:

  • Failure to diagnose pre-eclampsia

  • Missed gestational diabetes

  • Failure to identify fetal growth restriction

  • Failure to diagnose placental problems

  • Missed infection

  • Failure to identify abnormalities on scan

  • Delayed referral for specialist review

Not every complication is caused by negligence. However, where symptoms were reported, test results were misinterpreted or follow-up was inadequate, it may be appropriate to investigate whether earlier intervention would likely have changed the outcome.

Compensation can reflect physical injury, psychological impact, additional medical treatment, and financial losses.

If you think this has happened to you or your child, or you want to get in touch about the details of your situation, please contact our team of professional lawyers to see if you can make a claim.

Signs You May Have a Missed Diagnosis in Pregnancy Claim

Not every complication during pregnancy is the result of negligence. However, there are situations where a condition should reasonably have been identified earlier.

You may have a claim if:

  • Symptoms you raised during pregnancy were dismissed or not properly investigated

  • There were delays in diagnosing conditions such as pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes or infection

  • Test results were not followed up or acted upon

  • You were not referred for further assessment when concerns were raised

  • Warning signs relating to your baby’s wellbeing were missed

  • A condition was only diagnosed after it had already caused harm

If you felt that something was not taken seriously, or that opportunities to diagnose a condition were missed, it is worth exploring whether a claim may be possible.

Pregnancy bump measured by midwife using tape measure

The value of a missed diagnosis in pregnancy claim depends on how the delay or failure to diagnose has affected you and, in some cases, your baby.

Compensation may include:

  • Pain, suffering and emotional distress

  • Additional medical treatment or care required

  • Impact on your physical or mental health

  • Costs associated with complications during or after pregnancy

  • Ongoing care or support needs

  • Financial losses, including time off work

Where a child has been affected, compensation can also reflect their long-term care, treatment and support needs. Every case is different, and the amount awarded will depend on the specific circumstances and the impact of what has happened.

We will ensure that any claim takes into account both immediate and long-term needs.

How Much Compensation Could I Receive?

How do I make a Missed Diagnosis in Pregnancy compensation claim?

Claims involving missed diagnoses during pregnancy often begin with unanswered questions. You may have raised concerns about symptoms, or received test results you did not fully understand. The first step is to speak with us in confidence and talk through the timeline of your pregnancy and the care you received.

We will look closely at antenatal appointments, blood test results, scan reports and referral decisions to understand whether warning signs were present and whether appropriate action was taken. If there are grounds to investigate further, we obtain your full medical records and ask independent obstetric experts to assess whether the care met accepted professional standards and whether earlier diagnosis would likely have changed the outcome.

If the medical evidence supports a claim, we will explain the legal position clearly, outline what compensation may cover and guide you carefully through the process, keeping communication straightforward and supportive throughout.

Time Limits for Making a Missed Diagnosis in Pregnancy Claim

In most cases, you have three years from the date you became aware, or should reasonably have become aware, that a diagnosis was missed and that this may have caused harm.

There are some important exceptions:

  • If a child has been affected, the three-year time limit usually begins on their 18th birthday

  • If the person bringing the claim lacks mental capacity, time limits may not apply

Because missed diagnosis cases can involve events that unfold over time, it is important to seek advice as early as possible so that evidence can be preserved and your options remain open.

Pregnancy Misdiagnosis Compensation Claims | Plymouth Medical Negligence Solicitors | Missed Diagnosis in Pregnancy Claims

Missed diagnosis claims during pregnancy require careful medical analysis and sensitive handling. These cases often involve reviewing antenatal notes, scan reports, blood tests and referral pathways in detail. Our Medical Negligence solicitors work with experienced independent obstetric experts to assess whether appropriate standards were met.

We understand that these cases can carry a sense of self-doubt or hindsight. Our role is to provide clarity based on evidence and to guide you calmly through what can otherwise feel like a complex process.

Based in Plymouth, we support clients across Devon, Cornwall and the wider South West.

Why choose Nash & Co Solicitors for a Missed Diagnosis in Pregnancy compensation claim?

When something is missed during pregnancy, many women look back at conversations, appointments and test results with lingering uncertainty. You may question whether you should have pushed harder or asked more questions. It is important to remember that you were entitled to rely on professional advice.

We take time to understand your experience before offering legal analysis. You will not be rushed, and you will not be dismissed. If there are grounds to pursue a claim, we will explain that clearly and take it forward with care. If the medical evidence suggests the outcome was unavoidable, we will tell you that honestly.

Our aim is to provide answers, reassurance and, where appropriate, financial support, while treating you with respect throughout.

Our client-first approach

Rebecca Brisley, Associate Solicitor in Medical Negligence, supporting babies with a missed diagnosis during pregnancy

Additional Support

We understand that experiencing a missed diagnosis during pregnancy can be distressing and, in some cases, overwhelming. These situations often involve not only physical consequences, but also emotional and psychological impact.

Our Medical Negligence team offers a free, no-obligation consultation where you can speak openly with a member of the team about what has happened.

We handle claims on a no win, no fee basis, meaning there is no upfront financial risk to you. If your claim is successful, we may also be able to secure interim payments to support treatment, care or day-to-day needs while your case is ongoing.

If you would like to find out whether you can make a missed diagnosis in pregnancy claim, please get in touch. We are here to listen and support you in taking the next step.

Meet the Medical Negligence Team

Mike Shiers

Michael Shiers

Partner, Personal Injury & Medical Negligence team

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Rebecca Brisley

Associate Solicitor, Personal Injury & Medical Negligence team

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Amie Worth

Paralegal in the Medical Negligence team

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Missed Diagnosis in Pregnancy Compensation Claims FAQs

Below, we have addressed the most commonly asked questions about missed diagnosis in pregnancy claims and compensation.
If you have any other questions that aren't answered here, don't hesitate to contact us.

  • Many pregnancy complications begin with symptoms that feel vague or easily dismissed, such as headaches, swelling, reduced movement or general discomfort.

    The key issue is whether the symptoms you described should reasonably have prompted further investigation, monitoring or referral at the time. An independent expert review can help determine whether the response was appropriate or whether earlier action may have reduced the risk of harm.

  • Pre-eclampsia can develop gradually and sometimes without dramatic early symptoms, which is why careful monitoring of blood pressure, urine and reported symptoms is so important. When warning signs are missed or not escalated appropriately, the condition can progress and place both mother and baby at risk. These cases require detailed medical analysis to establish whether earlier recognition and treatment would likely have changed the outcome. We approach that investigation carefully and explain the findings in clear, understandable terms.

  • Pregnancy complications can leave a lasting emotional impact, particularly if you felt unheard or unsupported at the time. If the missed diagnosis resulted in recognised psychological injury, such as anxiety, trauma or depression supported by medical evidence, this can form part of a claim. The law acknowledges that harm is not only physical. We understand that emotional consequences can sometimes be just as significant and deserving of recognition.

  • This is a very common concern, especially if you are considering another pregnancy.

    Bringing a claim will not affect your right to NHS treatment or the care you receive in the future. The legal process is separate from your ongoing medical support. We can explain how this works so that you feel reassured about your future care.

  • Missed diagnosis claims during pregnancy often involve careful review of antenatal notes, blood tests, scan reports and referral decisions. Because of this, they can take time to investigate properly. While this can feel slow, particularly when you want clarity, it is important that the medical evidence is examined thoroughly and accurately. We will keep you informed throughout and ensure the process is handled steadily and professionally.

  • Many medical negligence claims are resolved through negotiation rather than a full court trial. The idea of court proceedings can feel daunting, but in many cases it is not necessary. If formal proceedings do become required, we would guide you carefully and explain what to expect at each stage, so that you feel supported rather than overwhelmed.

  • Yes. If a missed diagnosis during pregnancy resulted in injury to your child, you may be able to bring a claim on their behalf while they are under 18. We will explain clearly how this works, what responsibilities it involves and what types of compensation may be available to support your child’s future needs.

  • Hospitals often carry out internal reviews when complications occur. While these investigations can be helpful, they do not replace an independent legal assessment. An internal review may focus on clinical processes rather than legal standards. We obtain separate expert evidence so that you receive an objective and comprehensive evaluation of what happened.

Get in Touch

As one of the top law firms in Plymouth, we make four promises to you that shape our everyday job to deliver exceptional client service and positive outcomes.

  1. We are transparent about costs

  2. We'll keep things simple and understandable

  3. We'll always be straight with you and keep you informed

  4. You'll get fast, efficient, and reliable service

Rest assured, whatever medical negligence issue you're facing, we'll do our best to help you.

Give us a ring or fill in our form below to speak to a member of our team today, and get the answers you need to make your claim.

If your enquiry is urgent then please call us on 01752 827085.