A first-time mother Ilona Kazik († 32) died only 11 days after giving birth son Anthony. More before the planned caesarean section, she visited the hospital twice with headaches, but according to her husband, the doctors assured her that everything was fine and sent her home. Shortly after giving birth in a hospital in Luton, England she collapsed due to a massive brain bleed related to undiagnosed preeclampsiawrites the portal
The coroner later said the woman had not received adequate care. Doctors noted high blood pressure – a warning sign of preeclampsia – but it should not have been properly documented or passed on to other staff. Ilona should have been managed as a low-risk patient and should have received a contraindicated drug, which could have increased her blood pressure, writes the British newspaper.
After giving birth, she complained of severe headaches, blurred vision and vomiting, but passed out a few hours later. A CT scan confirmed extensive brain bleeding and the woman was rushed to a hospital in Cambridge. However, the doctors could no longer prevent the worst. Ilone had her assistive devices turned off on February 25, 2023.
Husband Rafal (43) was left alone to raise little Antony. “I will never come to terms with it. Ilona was a good person and she did not deserve such an end. What hurts me the most is that our son will grow up without a mother,” he said. He added that they had been trying for a child for 5 years and had many plans and dreams. According to the newspaper, the coroner confirmed that there were several “serious lapses” in care that contributed to the woman’s tragic end, although it is not certain whether her death could have been completely prevented.
The family’s lawyer points out that high blood pressure during pregnancy can be life-threatening and close monitoring is necessary. The hospital expressed its deepest condolences to the family and said it had already implemented several changes to improve obstetrics safety. Rafal believes that by talking about the case, it will be possible to prevent other similar tragedies. One day, he says, Anthony will learn how loving his mom was and how proud she was of him.
