Facing the Reality of Incontinence After Maternity Negligence
If you are experiencing debilitating bowel problems following the birth of your baby, you may have been the victim of negligent healthcare and it may be possible to claim compensation.
Talking about bowel problems
For many young women, talking about their bowel problems following the birth of their baby is a very difficult task. For some it is all but impossible.
The embarrassment of suffering incontinence of wind or experiencing extreme urgency when needing the toilet often prevents a woman from telling even her closest family and friends, let alone approaching her GP.
The demands of a new baby also often mean that the new mother puts her own needs second and focuses on bonding with and supporting her child at the expense of investigating her distressing symptoms.
However, it is important to understand three things:
- On-going significant bowel problems and leakage following the birth of the baby is not normal and needs to be investigated
- The sooner you report your symptoms to your GP, midwife or health worker, the sooner it will be possible to try to resolve your symptoms. A delay may, make it harder to bring about improvement of symptoms
- If your on-going bowel symptoms are the result of negligent maternity care, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation
Third and fourth degree tears
Third and fourth degree tears affect a significant minority of women who give birth through the vagina.
The problem with these injuries, in comparison with 1st and 2nd degree tars, is that they cause damage to the muscles around the anus which control the passing of wind and faeces. Such injuries do not heal on their own. They need to be accurately diagnosed and repaired competently by an experienced surgeon.
A failure to examine, a failure to provide a correct diagnosis and a failure to carry out a comprehensive and effective repair could all lead to these distressing symptoms, the effect of which can be the devastation of a woman's self-confidence and quality of life.
They may also justify a claim for compensation for the consequences of the injuries, such as a loss of income.
Speak to a legal specialist
Compensation claims for medical negligence are extremely complicated and need the expertise of a specialist solicitor.
If you think you may have been the victim of maternity negligence, contact Glynns Solicitors, specialists in medical negligence law.
One of our team of experienced solicitors 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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