Assisted Births and Negligent Perineal and Anal Care
Assisted or instrumental births are a risk factor in the occurrence of severe perineal tears. Negligent maternity care in this delicate situation may justify a claim for compensation if the new mother is left with permanent bowel problems.
Assisted births and severe birth tears
An assisted birth, whether requiring the use of forceps or ventouse, increases the pressure on the woman's perineum and can lead to a severe perineal tear. An episiotomy is recommended to reduce the risk of a tear extending into the anal sphincter.
If an assisted birth has been necessary, it is essential that the new mother is scrupulously examined following the birth of her baby to check for any signs of perineal or anal damage.
If any such damage is missed, she may suffer bowel incontinence, of both wind and faeces, for the rest of her life.
Spotting the damage
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recommends that a woman who has undergone an instrumental delivery should receive a thorough examination including a digital rectal check following the birth of her baby.
Any damage to the perineum and anal sphincter should then be classified according to the following guidelines:
- A 1st degree tear
- A 2nd degree tear
- A 3a, 3b or 3c tear, depending on the extent to which the anal sphincter is affected
- A 4th degree tear
An accurate assessment and classification of all damage should trigger the correct form of repair. In the case of 3rd or 4th degree tears which damage the anal sphincter, a skilled surgical repair in an operating theatre is necessary.
Negligent medical care
If medical professionals fail to diagnose the full extent and nature of the damage or fail to ensure that an effective repair is carried out, they may be regarded as having provided negligent care.
If the new mother suffers a poor long-term outcome which would not have been the case with appropriate medical care, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation.
A successful compensation claim would take account of the financial impact of the symptoms which the woman is suffering such as loss of income due to the effects of bowel incontinence.
Speak to a legal specialist
If you are struggling with appalling bowel symptoms due to negligent maternity care following an assisted birth, contact Glynns Solicitors. We are a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with a team of specialist lawyers and extensive experience of high-value maternal birth tear claims.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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