Post Natal Bowel Symptoms and Compensation for Maternity Negligence
Severe and on-going bowel problems following vaginal childbirth may be an indication of an undiagnosed tear and may justify a claim for compensation. Speak to a specialist medical negligence solicitor at your earliest convenience.
Negligent perineal and anal maternity care
If a new mother continues to experience significant, long-term bowel problems after the birth of her baby, it may be a sign that she has suffered from negligent maternity care.
Women who give birth through the vagina are at risk of experiencing a severe perineal and anal tear. This is particularly the case with women who are giving birth for the first time and women who need instrumental assistance during the delivery of their baby.
Due to this risk, it is essential that the woman receives the appropriate perineal care from her maternity professionals following the delivery of the baby.
Anal sphincter injury diagnosis
Appropriate care, as recommended by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, includes the need for a thorough post-natal examination which should include a digital rectal examination. The purpose of this is to assess the integrity of the anal sphincter and to identify any damage which may have occurred.
If an anal tear is identified, it is essential that the relevant maternity professional makes an accurate diagnosis. This is required in order to make sure that a comprehensive repair is carried out by a surgeon.
A tear which involves the anal sphincter (the muscles controlling the passing of wind and faeces), should be diagnosed according to the following criteria:
- A 3a tear injures up to 50% of the external anal sphincter in addition to damaging the perineum
- A 3b tear damages more than 50% of the anal sphincter
- A 3c tear additionally damages the internal anal sphincter
- A 4th degree tear additionally damages the lining of the anal canal
Negligent perineal care
The medical professionals attendant at a vaginal birth may be regarded as having provided only substandard care if an anal sphincter injury is not identified or is misdiagnosed. This may lead to the new mother developing permanent and disabling symptoms which can significantly affect her quality of life and that of her family.
The consequences of this distressing outcome, such as a loss of income due to bowel difficulties, may be included in a successful compensation claim.
Speak with a specialist solicitor
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice.
We speak with the victims of negligent maternity care on a daily basis and are fully conversant with the shocking impact which a severe birth tear can cause.
If oyu suspect that you have been the victim of negligent maternity care, contact us to talk to a solicitor, free of charge, about the possibility of making a claim.
Contact us today to talk to 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.
Make An Enquiry
Why Choose Us
- Specialist medical negligence solicitors
- Free initial enquiries
- No win, no fee available
Reviews
Our Expertise
Helping Clients Across England & Wales
