Compensating Negligent Maternity Anal Sphincter Care
Substandard anal sphincter care during a vaginal delivery may be regarded as negligent and justify a claim for compensation for long-term bowel dysfunction.
Anal sphincter damage in vaginal childbirth
The anal sphincter muscles which control bowel movement are susceptible to damage during vaginal childbirth. Competent medical examination and repair is essential to prevent permanent bowel dysfunction.
A minority of women giving birth through the vagina are at an increased risk of suffering a severe tear which affects the bowel. This includes women who are giving birth vaginally for the first time, women who require an instrumental delivery and those who are carrying a larger than average baby.
If such severe damage is not repaired, the new mother can experience life-changing bowel incontinence, affecting her ability to work and causing significant practical and psychological difficulties.
Appropriate maternity care of the anal sphincter
Protection, care and repair of the woman's perineum and especially the anal sphincter muscles is a crucial aspect of maternity care. The Care Bundle developed by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recommends the following aspects of care:
- Advice to the pregnant woman of the risks of a severe tear and steps to reduce the risk
- Manual protection of the perineum during the delivery
- Examination of the perineum to include digital rectal examination for anal sphincter damage
- Medio-lateral episiotomy where necessary
A thorough examination is essential following vaginal birth in order to identify any perineal and anal sphincter damage. This should then trigger a prompt surgical repair by an experienced surgeon.
Negligent perineal and anal sphincter maternity care
Medical maternity care of the anal sphincter can fall short of expectations in a number of ways, leaving the new mother with permanent damage:
- A failure to carry out an episiotomy when necessary
- A failure to examine the new mother's perineum following the birth, leading to a failure to diagnose a severe injury
- A misdiagnosis of a perineal injury
- A failure to repair a perineal or anal sphincter injury
- An incompetent or inappropriate repair, allowing symptoms to continue or worsen
Claiming compensation for negligent care
If you or a loved one are struggling with the impact of bowel dysfunction due to negligent maternity care, contact us here at Glynns Solicitors. As specialist in medical negligence law we have extensive expertise in perineal tear claims and have supported numerous women through the complex process of making a claim.
Contact us today to talk to an experienced medical negligence lawyer about the suitability of making a claim.
Contact us today to discuss the suitability of making a claim for compensation for your substandard maternity care.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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