Mum's childbirth injury left her 'completely traumatised'

Harsimeran Kaur was admitted to hospital for an elective caesarean section for delivery of her second son, who was lying sideways.

On examination, however, her baby had moved position, and it was agreed between Harsimeran and medics that she would try for a vaginal birth.

Her waters were broken and labour progressed, but Harsimeran began complaining of a severe pain that she hadn’t experienced during her previous pregnancy, despite having an epidural.

At the time, doctors reported the baby’s heart rate to be normal, but it was later identified that it had been pathological – indicating a need for urgent delivery – on more than one occasion.

Harsimeran, from Rickmansworth, was eventually instructed to push. However, she was in so much pain that she convulsed off the bed. A doctor was called into the room and performed an ultrasound scan, which found there was blood in Harsimeran’s abdomen.

She was rushed to theatre for a C-section, where it was discovered that she had a 15cm rupture in her uterus and had suffered a large haemorrhage.  She lost around three pints of blood.

Harsimeran thought she may die during childbirth, leaving her children without a mother. (Image: Courtesy of Irwin Mitchell)

As a result of what happened, Harsimeran is unable to have any more children, and her son suffered life-changing injuries.

Following her ordeal in August 2021, Harsimeran instructed medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate her care, and Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has admitted the rupture should have been avoided.

Irwin Mitchell is now working with the NHS trust to agree a settlement for Harsimeran to ensure she has access to the ongoing treatment and therapies she needs.

Auriana Griffiths, the medical negligence lawyer representing Harsimeran, said: "Having a baby was meant to be a happy time for Harsimeran, but the experience has had a life-changing impact on her, both physically and mentally.

"Through our work, we sadly see too many women and babies injured during childbirth. It’s therefore vital that changes are made to maternity care to improve patient safety and help prevent others from suffering like Harsimeran has."

Three years on, Harsimeran continues to be psychologically traumatised by what happened.

She said: "To this day, I still struggle to comprehend everything that’s happened. I really thought I might die and my children be left without a mum. To have that go through your mind is the most terrifying and devastating thought.

"I’ve been left completely traumatised by it all, particularly that my son was also injured.

"While I know that nothing can ever turn back the clock, I hope that by speaking out I can help others who may be going through something similar."

A legal case regarding Harsimeran's son's injuries is being handled separately.