Vaginal Birth Tears and When to Claim Compensation
If you are struggling with distressing bowel problems following the vaginal birth of your baby, you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation. Speak to a legal specialist.
Vaginal birth tears
Tears to the perineum are not unusual during a vaginal birth. The majority of women suffer a tear of some degree when their baby is being born. Thankfully, for most women, these tears are small and restricted to the perineal region between the vagina and the anus.
Occasionally, a more severe tear occurs which cuts into the muscles around the anus. Such an injury, also referred to as a 3rd or 4th degree tear can cause the new mother to experience bowel problems due to the loss of the muscle function.
Because of the nature of the injury, its associated symptoms and the need for a prompt repair, this type of injury needs to be diagnosed as soon as possible after the birth of the baby.
Diagnosing severe birth tears
Therefore, every woman who gives birth through the vagina should be examined thoroughly following the delivery of her baby. This should include a digital rectal examination which is necessary to identify damage to the anal muscles.
It is vital that any damage is identified and that it is accurately diagnosed according to its extent and according to the guidelines of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists:
- A 3a tear damages up to 50% of the external anal sphincter
- A 3b tear damages more than 50% of the external anal sphincter
- A 3c tear damages both the external and internal sphincter
- A 4th degree tear additionally damages the lining of the anal canal
A failure to diagnose or a misdiagnosis will mean that the new mother does not receive a full repair or, possibly, any repair at all. Unfortunately, she is then likely to suffer debilitating bowel symptoms which may affect her ability to work, compromising her financial security and reducing her quality of life.
Her self-confidence may suffer and her ability to bond with and support her newborn baby may also suffer.
She may require additional treatment or equipment to help her manage her distressing symptoms.
When to claim compensation
If failings by maternity professionals have caused this distressing situation, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation which will take account of the financial losses as well as the woman's pain and suffering.
Speak to a solicitor as soon as possible to initiate an investigation into the quality of your care.
Free legal advice
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with extensive experience and understanding of severe birth tear claims.
Contact us today to talk to a solicitor, free of charge, about the possibility of making a claim for compensation.
We can offer No Win No Fee medical negligence funding which we will discuss with you during your free initial telephone discussion.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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