Claiming Compensation for Poor Maternity Care of Perineal Trauma
Perineal trauma after vaginal childbirth is not a headline-grabbing topic yet many women suffer distressing and debilitating injuries during the course of giving birth. Sadly, when these injuries do not receive the correct level of care, the new mother may face a lifetime of bowel symptoms.
Minor birth tears, such as 1st and 2nd degree tears usually repair effectively and promptly. More severe perineal tears, however, can damage the muscles which control the bowel. If these injuries do not receive prompt medical treatment, the symptoms they cause can become permanent, even worsening as the woman ages.
A woman may experience a range of unpleasant symptoms if her anal muscles have been damaged by childbirth:
- She may experience pain and discomfort in the perineum, between the vagina and the anus
- She might suffer urgency meaning that she has very little time to reach a toilet when she needs to
- She may feel discomfort during sexual intercourse
- She might suffer leakage or incontinence of both wind and faeces
- She may experience leakage of wind and faeces from the vagina if she has developed a fistula between the anus and the vagina.
This appalling combination of symptoms can, understandably, have a devastating impact on a woman's life. Her ability to work and earn an income can be compromised, her self-confidence can be damaged and her personal relationships can suffer. Bonding with her new-born baby and supporting a child as it develops can be difficult for a woman who is struggling to cope with a severe bowel disorder. The psychological impact can be dramatic.
Such potential effects can be avoided if a woman receives effective and prompt treatment for her anal injury. A severe perineal tear, such as a 3rd or 4th degree tear should not be repaired by a midwife in the maternity facility. It needs the attention of an experienced surgeon in an operating theatre. If medical professionals fail to provide such a level of care, they may be regarded as having acted negligently.
This is most likely to happen if you suffer a severe tear which is not correctly diagnosed. An accurate diagnosis is absolutely crucial to the well-being of the new mother and a failure to take the time and care to make a thorough assessment may result in permanent bowel problems.
It is not unusual for a severe tear to be missed or misdiagnosed. In either scenario, the new mother will not undergo the correct treatment.
Claiming compensation for poor care
If you are suffering long-term bowel symptoms which you believe may be due to a failure to diagnose or treat your birth tear correctly, contact Glynns Solicitors.
We have supported numerous women in making highly-successful compensation claims for poor quality maternity care. Speak to one of our specialist solicitors today.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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