Maternity Perineal Care Negligence and Claiming Compensation
The quality of medical care of a woman's perineum in a maternity setting is crucial to her long-term health and emotional well-being. Failings by medical professionals may justify a claim for compensation.
Childbirth, the perineum and maternity care
Not surprisingly, vaginal childbirth puts pressure on the perineum, the region between a woman's vagina and her anus. Some women, such as those giving birth for the first time are especially susceptible to damage to this region which extends into the anal sphincter, the muscles which control bowel movements.
According to the Care Bundle issued by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, medical professionals involved in the birth should endeavour to advise the woman as to steps to help prevent severe birth tears as well as providing scrupulous care during and following the birth.
All women who have given birth through the vagina should receive a thorough examination of the perineum and anal sphincter following the birth of their baby. This should ensure that any damage is accurately diagnosed and appropriately repaired.
A failure by medical professionals to provide an acceptable level of care may be regarded as negligent and, if it results in on-going and debilitating symptoms for the new mother, may justify a claim for compensation.
Claiming compensation for the impact of negligence
The consequences of negligent maternity care of the perineum during childbirth can be both distressing and life-changing. If damage to the anal sphincter remains undiagnosed, the new mother can suffer incontinence of both wind and faeces. At best she may experience extreme urgency when needing the toilet. At worst, she may suffer incontinence, vaginal leakage and the need for a stoma.
Such appalling symptoms can damage a woman's confidence and restrict what she feels able to do. For example, she may need to change the type of work she does in order to accommodate her symptoms, thus resulting in a significant loss of income. Her emotional response to her symptoms may fundamentally affect the way she lives and feels, causing isolation and loss of social contact.
If such a distressing outcome is the result of poor-quality maternity care, the woman would be entitled to make a claim for compensation which would take account of any financial losses which she has suffered.
Speak to a legal specialist
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice. Over the years we have successfully supported numerous women in making high-value claims for substandard maternity care. Our team of experienced specialist solicitors can offer extensive expertise in this niche field.
If you are struggling with the appalling impact of negligent maternity care, contact us to speak with a solicitor, 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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