Perineal Trauma Examinations and Medical Negligence Compensation
Post-natal perineal examinations are the key to maintaining good bowel function. If medical professionals fail to follow the guidelines, leaving a new mother with permanent bowel symptoms, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Vaginal childbirth and the risk of severe perineal trauma
Giving birth vaginally puts a woman at risk of severe perineal and anal trauma. Extending from the vagina, a maternal birth tear can damage the muscles which control bowel movement (the anal sphincter) causing incontinence of both wind and faeces.
It is essential, therefore, that medical professionals who attend the birth check the new mother's perineum thoroughly for any signs of damage. Although the majority of women experience smaller tears only affecting the perineum, around 5% of new mothers suffer these more severe forms of injury. Without an accurate diagnosis of all damage, the woman may not receive a repair of this debilitating injury and may experience permanent bowel dysfunction as a result.
Adhering to the guidelines
The NICE guidelines on perineal care following vaginal childbirth include the following recommendations:
- 'a rectal examination to assess whether there has been any damage to the external or internal anal sphincter if there is any suspicion that the perineal muscles are damaged.'
- It further adds 'if it is not possible to adequately assess the trauma, transfer the woman to obstetric-led care' and ''seek advice from a more experienced midwife or obstetrician if there is uncertainty about the nature or extent of the trauma.'
- A further guidelines states that 'all relevant healthcare professionals should attend training in perineal/genital assessment and repair, and ensure that they maintain these skills.'
Medical negligence
- If a thorough examination of the perineal region is not undertaken following vaginal childbirth, the relevant medical professionals may be regarded as having been negligent
- If trauma to the perineum and anal sphincter is misdiagnosed, the relevant medical professionals may again be regarded as having provided substandard care.
- If trauma to the perineum and anus is not recorded accurately, an accusation of negligence may also apply.
Claiming compensation
If failings in perineal care during childbirth have left you with an unrepaired birth tear and disabling symptoms, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation. This would take account of any financial losses you may have suffered as a result of the medical negligence, such as loss of income due to your symptoms.
Contact Glynns Solicitors, specialists in medical negligence law, to discuss your situation and the suitability of making a compensation claim.
Speak to a specialist solicitor
Glynns Solicitors is a specialist medical negligence legal practice with extensive expertise in maternal birth trauma claims. Contact us to day to talk to one of our experienced lawyers about your situation.
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