Understanding Premature Birth and Birth Injuries

Premature birth can be an overwhelming experience, often bringing unexpected health challenges for babies and emotional strain for parents. Every family’s journey is unique, and understanding the causes and available support is an important first step. In some cases, questions may arise about whether the right care was provided. Our team of medical negligence solicitors is here to help you explore those concerns with compassion and clarity.

What is Premature Birth?

Premature birth occurs when a baby is born before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Babies born early often require specialist care in neonatal units because their organs may not be fully developed. In the UK, around 53,000 babies are born prematurely each year — that’s 1 in 13 births.

What Can Cause Premature Birth?

Premature birth can happen for many reasons, including:

– Maternal health conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes

– Multiple pregnancies (twins or more)

– Infections during pregnancy

– Problems with the placenta

– Lifestyle factors such as smoking or poor nutrition

Early detection and proper maternal care are essential to reduce risks.

When can Prematurity be caused by Negligence?

Prematurity may be caused by negligence in situations where medical professionals fail to provide appropriate care, leading to avoidable complications. Examples include:

– Failure to monitor maternal health properly

– Delayed diagnosis of infections or preterm labour

– Inadequate neonatal care after birth

If negligence has caused a birth injury or harm to your family, you may have grounds for a birth injury claim.

Compensation from a medical negligence claim can give financial support for ongoing care, such as long term medical treatment, therapy, adaptive equipment and can also secure your child’s future with funds to assist with education, home adaptations and future care needs.

What is World Prematurity Day?

World Prematurity Day, observed annually on 17 November, raises awareness about premature birth and its impact. The campaign calls on countries to:

1. Invest in neonatal care and life-saving equipment

2. Strengthen maternal health services

3. Support families with emotional and practical resources

4. Ensure equity so every baby has the best chance at life

Support Available for Premature Birth

Families facing the challenges of premature birth often need emotional, financial, and practical support. Helpful resources include:

– Bliss – UK charity supporting families with premature and sick babies

– SANDS – Bereavement support for families who have lost a baby

– Local NHS neonatal units and family liaison services

Seeking legal advice can also help secure compensation for ongoing care needs.

How Can a Medical Negligence Solicitor Help?

Our specialist solicitors can:

– Investigate your case thoroughly by reviewing medical records and obtaining expert opinions

– Identify breaches in duty of care that may have led to premature birth or birth injuries

– Assist with a claim for compensation for ongoing care, therapy, and emotional distress

– Guide you through the claims process with compassion and clarity

We work on a No Win, No Fee* basis, so you can seek justice without financial risk.

If you believe medical negligence contributed to your baby’s premature birth or related injuries, our specialist team can help. Contact our Medical Negligence Department today for free, confidential advice.

*There are circumstances where you would be asked to pay any outstanding costs even if you don’t win your case.

Fill out a free medical negligence assessment form below or call us on 0114 2496 611 to book your free assessment today.

You may need to pay for services from Howells Solicitors in certain situations. These include being dishonest, not giving your solicitor instructions, or rejecting an offer against their advice. Other examples are the death of the claimant, cancelling your claim, and moving without telling your solicitor.

Under these circumstances, you may also have to cover the Defendant’s costs. Clients may be asked to pay disbursements up front or must stand to the cost of a medical report if a second opinion is obtained. In some instances, you may need to pay for medical reports or other third-party payments upfront. We would discuss this with you before making any decision.