Are Severe Bowel Problems After Childbirth a Sign of Negligence?
If you are continuing to experience severe difficulties in controlling your bowel following the birth of your baby, it is possible that your medical professionals were negligent in their care of you following the birth.
If a woman has suffered a perineal tear during the vaginal birth of her baby, it is possible that she may experience some short-term bowel problems. If her injury has been diagnosed and repaired appropriately, those symptoms should ease over time.
If a woman continues to suffer severe and debilitating problems, it may be a sign that her perineal trauma did not receive the necessary level of care and expertise after her baby's birth.
Symptoms of severe perineal damage
Symptoms of a severe tear such as a third or fourth degree tear include the following:
- Inability to prevent the passing of wind
- Inability to prevent the passing of faeces
- Infections of the perineum
- Extreme urgency when needing to go to the toilet
- Leakage of wind and faeces from the vagina
It is not normal to experience these symptoms in the long-term. Even where a woman has suffered a severe tear, a good quality repair should result in her being symptom-free within twelve months.
To suffer serious bowel problems on a permanent basis can be both practically challenging and emotionally distressing.
If these symptoms are occurring due to poor medical care, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Diagnosing perineal tears
In vaginal childbirth, perineal trauma should be diagnosed as soon as possible after the birth of the baby. The new mother should undergo a thorough examination of her perineum to check for any sign of damage and any injury should be carefully and accurately documented. It can then be repaired as appropriate.
A failure to carry out a thorough examination of a new mother, resulting in on-going bowel problems, may be regarded as poor quality care.
The new mother may struggle significantly as a consequence of her poor care, finding it difficult to work or travel or care for her baby. The emotional toll can be dramatic.
Speak to a solicitor
If you are suffering the appalling symptoms associated with an unrepaired 3rd or 4th degree tear, contact Glynns Solicitors to talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor.
We have supported numerous woman in making very successful claims relating to neglected perineal trauma and will be very happy to advise you.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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