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ARTICLE · 14 SEPTEMBER 2026

Can Spina Bifida Be Missed On The 20-Week Scan?

JMW Solicitors LLP
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JMW Solicitors LLP

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When spina bifida goes undetected during routine pregnancy screening, parents may lose the opportunity to make informed decisions about their pregnancy and prepare for their child's additional care needs. This comprehensive guide examines the circumstances under which missed diagnoses may constitute medical negligence and explores the legal options available to affected families.

United KingdomLitigation, Mediation & Arbitration
Kimberley Peet
Kimberley Peet

Open spina bifida is one of the physical conditions that the NHS 20-week screening scan specifically looks for when checking a baby’s development during pregnancy, and most cases can be identified before birth.

However, spina bifida can sometimes be missed on an ultrasound as factors such as the baby's position can make it difficult to obtain clear images.

Not every missed diagnosis means that medical negligence has occurred. However, there may be grounds for a medical negligence claim if signs that should reasonably have been identified were missed, an incomplete scan was not appropriately followed up, or the pregnant mother was not referred for further assessment when they should have been.

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