Negligent Medical Care of 3rd Degree Tear
Poor-quality medical care of a severe birth tear may be regarded as negligent and may justify a claim for compensation if the new mother suffers long-term symptoms.
Care of the perineum in vaginal childbirth
The Perineal Tear Care Bundle created by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in conjunction with The Royal College of Midwives makes clear recommendations about care of the perineum after the birth. It states that women who have given birth through the vagina (as opposed to a caesarean section) should undergo a thorough assessment of the perineum including a digital rectal examination following the birth.
The reason for this recommendation is the need to identify whether the new mother has suffered any damage to the anal sphincter during the birth of her baby. The anal sphincter is the muscles, both external and internal, which control the bowel and which are vulnerable to damage during childbirth.
Damage to the perineum is common during vaginal childbirth for the majority of women, it is a fairly small injury. However, more severe injuries, known as 3rd and 4th degree tears or anal sphincter injuries occur in around 5% of vaginal births and their diagnosis is vital to the well-being of the woman affected.
Assessment and diagnosis
Prompt assessment of any injury to the anal sphincter is essential if the new mother is to undergo a surgical repair of her injury. A failure of diagnosis, and a failure of repair, can leave a woman with permanent bowel dysfunction.
These long-term symptoms may involve feeling extreme urgency when needing to go to the toilet, resulting in a desire never to be far from a toilet. In more severe cases, it can result in incontinence of both wind and faeces.
Medical negligence
Clearly, a failure to carry out a thorough examination and a failure to identify any damage to the anal muscles may be regarded as poor-quality medical care.
A misdiagnosis may mean that, although part of a tear may be repaired, the remainder, being the most significant damage, may be missed.
If the new mother suffers severe and on-going bowel problems as a result, it may be appropriate to make a claim for the pain, suffering and financial losses caused by the negligence.
Speak to a solicitor
Glynns Solicitors is a specialist medical negligence legal practice.
If you are suffering the appalling impact of a severe birth tear due to poor-quality medical care, contact us to talk to an experienced solicitor about your situation.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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