Compensation for Long-term Birth Trauma
Lifelong bowel difficulties may be the result of poor medical care around vaginal childbirth. Where this is the case, it might be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Birth trauma
Many women suffer some degree of trauma during vaginal childbirth. For most, the damage to their perineum, between the vagina and the anus, is superficial and recovery is swift.
For a minority of women, however, vaginal childbirth can cause severe and debilitating damage. If diagnosed and skilfully repaired, it is possible to recover from such damage, but a failure in either diagnosis or repair, can leave the new mother with permanent and life-changing bowel damage.
Severe birth tears
Severe birth tears following vaginal childbirth are classified as 3rd or 4th degree tears. Although they vary is extent and severity both 3rd and 4th degree tears cause damage to the muscles which control the bowel, the anal sphincter, and can thus result in loss of bowel control.
This can mean not only losing the ability to prevent the passing of faeces, but loss of control of the passing of wind also.
Associated with such severe damage and dramatic symptoms, is the psychological impact which can cause a loss of confidence and a tendency to social isolation.
This can lead to loss of employment and income.
Responding to perineal and anal birth trauma
The occurrence of severe birth trauma is not uncommon and the guidelines for the prevention and treatment of such damage is clear.
It is essential that women who have given birth vaginally undergo an examination after the birth which allows a thorough assessment of both the perineum and the anus.
If the examination focuses only on the visible damage to the perineum, it is possible that severe and life-changing damage to the anal muscles may be missed.
Such poor quality medical care may be regarded as negligent and may justify a claim for compensation should the new mother suffer symptoms in the long-term.
Without a precise and accurate diagnosis, the new mother is unlikely to undergo an effective repair and the longer such a repair is delayed, the less likely it is to bring about recovery.
Claiming compensation
If you or a loved one are struggling with the impact of permanent bowel problems due to poor post-natal medical care, you need to seek expert legal advice.
Contact Glynns Solicitors, specialists in medical negligence claims. We have extensive experience of supporting women in making claims for port maternity care and will be very happy to help you.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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