Bowel Incontinence and Claiming Compensation for Maternity Negligence
Permanent bowel symptoms following childbirth may be a sign of poor-quality maternity care and may justify a claim for compensation.
Around 5% of women giving birth through the vagina suffer with severe birth tears which can cause bowel incontinence. With prompt and effective medical care, these 3rd and 4th degree tears can be repaired and the likelihood is that the woman will make a good recovery.
If medical professionals do not provide adequate and skilled care, however, debilitating and distressing bowel symptoms can become permanent and life-changing.
Vaginal childbirth and bowel incontinence
Many women suffer a tear to the region between the vagina and the anus (the perineum) during childbirth. Occasionally, the tear extends to the anus itself and damages the muscles which control bowel movement.
- A 3a tear damages up to 50% of the external anal sphincter
- A 3b tear causes damage to more than 50% of the anal sphincter
- A 3c tear causes damage to both the external and internal anal sphincter
- A 4th degree tear additionally damages the lining of the anal canal
The external and internal anal sphincter muscles work in combination to control the passing of wind and faeces and damage to these muscles can impair this function.
Without a prompt repair there is also the possibility that a 4th degree tear will cause a fistula or passage between the anus and the vagina, allowing wind and faeces to seep between the two.
Impact of a severe birth tear
A new mother with an unrepaired severe birth tear may find that she has very little time to get to the toilet and may need close access to toilet facilities at all times.
She may leak wind and faeces unintentionally.
In the most severe circumstances, a woman may even need a colostomy to be carried out to provide bowel function through a stoma bag.
The effect on quality of life, self-confidence and ability to work can be dramatic and cause a significant financial impact on the woman and her family.
If substandard medical care has contributed to such a shocking outcome, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Speak to a specialist solicitor
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with considerable expertise in birth tear compensation claims.
Contact us today if you believe you have been the victim of medical negligence and one of our team of experienced solicitors will be very happy to talk to you, free of charge.
Speak to a specialist solicitor
Glynns Solicitors is a specialist medical negligence legal practice with extensive expertise in maternal birth trauma claims. Contact us to day to talk to one of our experienced lawyers about your situation.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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