Misdiagnosed Perineal Tear after a Complicated Vaginal Birth
Severe perineal trauma during vaginal childbirth affects around 5% of women. If you have experienced a complicated delivery, it may be even more likely. A failure by medical professionals to recognise and repair your injury may be life-changing for you and justify a claim for compensation.
At risk of a severe birth tear
A severe birth tear, also described as 3rd or 4th degree tears, are injuries which damage the anal sphincter. These are the muscles which control the bowel and damage to them may leave the new mother with bowel problems to the extent of incontinence of both wind and faeces.
Some childbirth scenarios make it more likely that a severe tear will occur and medical professionals should be particularly sensitive to this possibility.
- A woman who is giving birth through the vagina for the first time is more likely to suffer a severe birth tear
- A woman who is carrying a larger than average baby is more likely to suffer a severe tear
- A woman whose baby becomes stuck behind the pubic bone during the birth is more at risk of a severe tear
- A woman who requires an instrumental delivery, especially with forceps, is at a great risk of suffering a severe birth tear
- A woman of Asian ethnicity is more at risk of suffering a severe tear affecting the anal sphincter.
- A woman who has experienced a long second stage of labour may be more likely to suffer a 3rd or 4th degree tear
Diagnosing perineal trauma
Severe birth tears following vaginal childbirth are diagnosed through examination of the perineum and anus. This should take place after every vaginal birth but is particularly important where any one - or more - of the above scenarios is relevant. A failure to assess a new mother thoroughly when she would normally be regarded as at risk of a severe tear may well be regarded as substandard care.
Should the unfortunate mother suffer long-term bowel problems such as urgency and incontinence as a result of this failure in maternity care, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Legal advice
Contact Glynns Solicitors to talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor with expertise in these types of claim. We have supported numerous women in claiming compensation for failure to repair a severe tear and one of our team will be very happy to discuss your experience with you.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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