Bowel Symptoms after Negligent Childbirth - Can I Make a Claim?
If you are experiencing on-going and significant bowel problems following the birth of your baby, you may have been the victim of negligent maternity care.
Bowel symptoms following childbirth
Many women experience some bowel irregularities for a short time following the birth of their baby. If the symptoms are long-lasting or severe, or both, however, it may be that the new mother has suffered a 3rd or 4th degree tear which has remained undiagnosed and unrepaired.
If this turns out to be the case and the woman suffers difficulties and financial losses as a result of the negligent care, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Symptoms which might indicate negligent maternity care of the new mother's perineum could include the following:
- Extreme urgency when needing to go to the toilet such as only having a few seconds to get to a toilet
- Incontinence of wind
- Incontinence of faeces
- Infections of the perineum
These distressing and potentially debilitating symptoms can occur if the woman has suffered either a 3rd or 4th degree tear during childbirth. A tear of this severity cuts across the woman's perineum and into her anal sphincter, the muscles which control and prevent the passing of wind and faeces.
Medical negligence in perineal care
Due to the severe nature of the injuries caused by a 3rd or 4th degree tear and the devastating impact which it can have on the life of the new mother, her baby and family, scrupulous and timely medical care is essential.
If medical professionals attending a vaginal birth fail to provide the quality of care which should be expected of them, leaving the new mother with an undiagnosed severe injury, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation.
Where appropriate, a successful compensation claim would incorporate any financial losses which the woman has suffered as a result of her unexpected and life-changing symptoms. This could include a reduced income where she is now restricted in the type or work or hours of work which she is able to do.
Speak to a legal specialist
Compensation claims for medical negligence are extremely complex. If you suspect that your maternity care may have been negligent, such as a failure to examine or a failure to diagnose an injury to the anal sphincter, contact Glynns. We are a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with a team of experienced solicitors, one of whom will be very happy to talk to you, free of charge, about the possibility of making a claim.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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