Childbirth: A Common Cause of Anal Incontinence
Every woman who gives birth vaginally needs to undergo a thorough examination for signs of damage shortly after the birth. A failure to do so can leave the woman with devastating, long-term symptoms.
Perineal tear damage
All perineal tears caused by vaginal childbirth are not the same. A careful and accurate diagnosis is absolutely crucial to ensure that the new mother receives the appropriate level of care.
A woman who has suffered a first or second degree tear can have her injury stitched in the delivery suite or maternity ward and should make a quick and full recovery. A woman who has suffered a severe tear, however, requires the attention of a skilled and experienced surgeon.
Severe tears, otherwise referred to as 3rd or 4th degree tears, can cause significant anal damage if they are not repaired promptly.
Both types of severe perineal tear cause injury to the anal sphincter muscles and can result in a range of appalling and highly-distressing symptoms:
- Inability to prevent the passing of faeces
- Inability to control the passing of wind
- Extreme urgency when needing to go to the toilet
- Leakage of wind and/or faeces via the vagina
- Infections of the perineum
Delayed surgery
If such severe anal damage is not diagnosed at the time of the birth, it may prove necessary to undergo surgery at a later date in an attempt to improve the woman's bowel function. However, not only is delayed surgery less likely to result in a full recovery but it is also possible that the woman may need to be fitted with a colostomy bag on a temporary basis whilst her bowel heals.
It is also likely that she will continue to experience some level of dysfunction even after surgery such as urgency.
For a new mother, trying to nurture and support her new baby, such an outcome is both debilitating and unpleasant. It can also impact on her level of self-confidence, ability to return to work and, for many women in this situation, often leads to increasing isolation and distress.
Medical negligence
Such an outcome need not happen. Severe perineal tears are not always avoidable, especially where the baby is large or it is the woman's first vaginal delivery, but a competent assessment of the mother after the birth can ensure a healthy outcome.
A failure on the part of medical professionals to carry out such an examination effectively and thoroughly may be regarded as substandard care. Should it lead to the new mother suffering long-term, debilitating symptoms, it may be appropriate to consider making a claim for compensation.
Speak to a solicitor
Contact us today to talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor with expertise in the birth injury claims if you are suffering the appalling effects of a misdiagnosed 3rd or 4th degree tear.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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