Birth Trauma Inquiry and When to Claim Compensation
Maternal trauma following childbirth is not uncommon and a new government inquiry aims to consider its impact and how to minimise its occurrence.
Government inquiry into birth trauma
The government has this month launched an inquiry into birth trauma and its impact. The All-Party Parliamentary Group responsible for the inquiry is aiming to consider a range of issues relevant to the experience of trauma during childbirth and plans to report on its findings at the beginning of April this year.
The issues under consideration include the following:
- To identify features of maternity care which contribute to birth trauma
- To identify examples of good practice
- To assess the impact of birth trauma on women
- Consider the current status of maternity care and its efficacy with regard to birth trauma
- To consider the economic cost of birth trauma
- To identify ways in which maternity care could be improved to minimise the occurrence of birth trauma
The circumstances which contributed to the need for the inquiry include the high levels of occurrence of post-traumatic stress disorder among women who have given birth and the long-term impact of severe birth tears.
Severe birth tears
One of the possible occurrences during vaginal childbirth which is considered as a contributing factor to birth trauma is a severe birth tear, otherwise referred to as a 3rd or 4th degree tear.
Third and fourth degree tears damage the anal sphincter, the muscles which control the passing of wind and faeces. Damage to these muscles can leave a new mother with distressing, debilitating and permanent bowel problems if the damage is not identified promptly and repaired by an experienced surgeon.
Unfortunately, negligent care of the perineum and anal sphincter following childbirth does occasionally occur. Failings by medical professionals which might be regarded as negligent in relation to a severe tear could include the following:
- A failure to carry out a thorough examination following childbirth, including a digital rectal examination
- A failure to identify when a severe tear has occurred
- A misdiagnosis of a severe tear
- A failure to carry out a comprehensive and effective repair
The impact on the life of the new mother when a 3rd or 4th degree tear remains unrepaired can be utterly life-changing and may justify a claim for compensation.
Speak to a legal specialist
Glynns Solicitors, a dedicated medical negligence practice, deals with women suffering from negligent birth tears on a daily basis. If you have been the victim of negligent care, we have the expertise, understanding and experience to support you in making a successful claim.
Contact us today to speak with a solicitor, free of charge, about the possibility of making a claim.
Contact us today to talk to a solicitor, free of charge, about the possibility of making a claim for compensation.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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