Postpartum PTSD and Perineal Tear Negligence
Suffering a severe perineal tear during vaginal childbirth has been linked to the experience of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder following the birth.
Severe perineal tears
Severe perineal tears, also described as 3rd or 4th degree tears, can bring about highly-distressing and life-changing physical and emotional effects if not diagnosed and repaired promptly after the birth.
It is essential that such severe injuries are accurately diagnosed shortly after the birth of the baby in order to give the new mother the best chance of an effective and long-lasting repair. In these circumstances, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists estimates that most women will be symptom-free within twelve months.
It is estimated that around 9% of women suffer PTSD following childbirth, experiencing symptoms such as panic attacks and flashbacks.
If the new mother has suffered a severe perineal tear, which has contributed to her psychological difficulties, a failure in medical care of her injury may only add to her problems.
Diagnosis of severe perineal trauma
Unfortunately, severe perineal tears, which can cause anal incontinence of both wind and faeces, are not always correctly diagnosed. Without a thorough assessment of the new mother following her baby's birth, her severe injury may be missed. An effective assessment should include a digital rectal examination of the condition of the anus in order to rule out or identify any damage. This should ensure that any injury is accurately identified as either a 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th degree tear and prompt the correct type of repair.
The long-term impact of severe tears
A new mother whose severe 3rd or 4th degree tear has not been diagnosed, is unlikely to undergo an adequate repair. This can leave her with a host of physical and emotional problems such as urgency when needing the toilet, incontinence of wind and faeces, perineal infections, discomfort during sexual intercourse, and extreme distress.
In our experience, many women in this situation find it difficult not only to talk about their bowel problems but are also reluctant to leave the house and become socially isolated. Their symptoms can mean that it is difficult to return to work and difficult to provide their baby with the level of care they need.
If the new mother's emotional and physical problems have been caused by poor medical management of her severe perineal injury, it might be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
A successful compensation claim can help a woman to cope with the financial and practical problems she may face as well as providing a sense that her poor-quality care has been recognised.
Speak to a solicitor
If you are struggling with the appalling long-term physical and emotional impact of a severe perineal tear due to poor medical care, contact Glynns Solicitors.
We are specialists in medical negligence compensation with extensive experience in severe perineal tear claims. One of our team of solicitors will be very happy to talk to you 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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