Syntocinon and Negligent Labour Induction Claims

Health concerns during childbirth may mean that labour must be induced, rather than being allowed to occur naturally. When done correctly, this procedure is perfectly safe. However, errors in the induction process can on occasion lead to birth injuries to the baby (and sometimes the mother), ranging from skull fractures to oxygen starvation. This can cause brain injuries that can result in cerebral palsy or other neurodevelopmental problems, leading to learning difficulties and behavioural problems. This could include being unnecessarily administered Syntocinon (a drug used to induce labour), or being given too high a dose, both of which can have serious consequences.

At JMW Solicitors, our medical negligence solicitors can help you to make a claim for compensation if an injury has been caused to you or your baby from inducing labour. Our specialist team understands the difficulty you may be experiencing, and we will do our utmost to secure the compensation you deserve to help you get your life back on track. We have vast experience in securing compensation on behalf of clients who have suffered due to negligence.

Our initial advice is free and, if we believe your case should be investigated, we can discuss the funding options. This includes no win, no fee agreements across all medical negligence claims, and legal aid if the case relates to brain damage caused to a baby in the womb, during birth or in the first few weeks of life. 

Speak to us about a maternity care negligence claim today by calling 0345 872 6666 or, if you would rather we contacted you, simply complete our online enquiry form and a member of the team will call you to discuss your situation in more detail.

How JMW Can Help

Whilst administering Syntocinon can have very important, even life-saving, benefits to help speed up labour, we have handled many cases where Syntocinon was administered during labour when it should not have been, or the dose given was too high. We understand that it can be difficult for families who have been through such an emotional and distressing time to consider legal proceedings. However, we are here to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible, so you can focus on your family.

Compensation can cover your child's needs and account for the long-term effects of birth injuries caused by negligent care. This means that if your child sustains a brain injury that leads to cerebral palsy, or a related condition, and is likely to need support throughout their lives, a compensation claim can cover these costs.
Our clinical negligence team is highly regarded across England and Wales and is headed up by leading solicitors Eddie Jones and Angharad Hughes. The team includes members of the Action against Medical Accidents (AvMA) solicitors panel and the Law Society’s specialist panel of clinical negligence solicitors. JMW takes a proactive yet personal approach to every claim we take on and will treat your case with the sensitivity and dedication it deserves

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What Is a Negligent Induction of Labour?

Induction of labour should only be recommended when medically justified, such as when pregnancy goes overdue, there are concerns for the baby’s health, or the mother has conditions like pre-eclampsia. Doctors and midwives should know when to induce labour, when to pursue an emergency Caesarean section and what the risks are of each course of action.

They may decide to administer Syntocinon, which is often used safely to induce labour, but comes with a risk of birth injuries if used incorrectly. While the drug can have life-saving benefits in some cases, there is a danger that doctors or midwives may sometimes be too quick to administer the hormone to speed up labour. It must, therefore, always be used with caution. Using Syntocinon at the wrong time can cause the uterus to contract more rapidly, which may result in uterine rupture or lead the baby to suffer permanent brain damage due to a lack of oxygen. There is also the increased risk of physical injury to the baby during delivery.

Doctors and midwives have clear responsibilities during induction, including assessing and documenting the medical need for induction and administering induction drugs and procedures correctly. They must monitor the mother and baby throughout the process, respond promptly to complications, and escalate care when necessary - for example, ordering an emergency C-section when needed.

Any failures in this respect may constitute medical negligence. Negligence may also arise if:

• The mother is not fully informed of the risks and alternatives and is therefore unable to meaningfully consent.
• Induction is delayed despite clear medical need, such as signs of foetal distress.
• Incorrect methods or drugs are used, or the process is poorly monitored.

Failure in any of these duties could be considered a breach of the standard of care expected in the NHS and may lead to a negligence claim. If these failures cause injury to mother or baby, they may amount to medical negligence and could provide grounds for compensation.

Q

What is Syntocinon?

A

Syntocinon is used to induce or speed up labour. While it can be beneficial to use in some instances and can save lives by helping to deliver a baby where there are concerns about the health of a pregnancy, it must be administered with caution. 

A Syntocinon injection contains synthetic oxytocin, which causes the muscles of the uterus to contract during labour, thus speeding up the rate of contractions. The natural hormone oxytocin is usually released by the pituitary gland in the brain to stimulate the uterus.

Q

What is Syntocinon used for?

A

Syntocinon may be administered for a number of reasons before or during labour, including:

• Inducing labour 
• Stimulating labour when contractions are too weak 
• Controlling heavy bleeding after the baby has been delivered
• Helping with the management of some types of miscarriage

Syntocinon is usually administered via a drip into a vein, and the dose is increased gradually to ensure the contraction pattern is the same as that which occurs during natural labour.

Q

What are the dangers associated with Syntocinon?

A

When the uterus contracts in childbirth, the baby’s umbilical cord becomes compressed and its blood and oxygen supply are temporarily restricted. This can be made worse if there is a cord prolapse, and the baby should be delivered as an emergency. By forcing the uterus to contract more quickly, the baby has less time to recover between contractions and can be starved of oxygen, resulting in a brain injury causing cerebral palsey. This irreparable damage to the baby’s brain can mean they will be unable to lead an independent life. 

NHS trusts must ensure that midwives and obstetricians are trained on how to administer Syntocinon appropriately and that thorough checks and assessments are made on each individual case.

There are several scenarios in which Syntocinon should not be used. These include when:

• The baby is short of oxygen or in distress 
• The mother has unusually strong uterine contractions 
• Induction of labour or vaginal delivery should not be performed, for example, if the baby is in the wrong position 
• There is an obstruction that may make vaginal delivery very difficult 

If a foetal head injury or oxygen deprivation in an unborn child leads them to develop cerebral palsy, they will often be entitled to compensation for these life-changing injuries. Contact JMW to learn more about making a birth injury claim for negligent induction of labour or other mistakes by midwives and obstetricians.