Was My Maternity Birth Tear Care Negligent?

If you have been left with the symptoms of an unrepaired severe birth tear, you may be wondering if your maternity care was negligent. Speak to a specialist solicitor to investigate the quality of your care.

Perineal care in childbirth

Not surprisingly, the perineum, the area between the vagina and the anus, is vulnerable to damage during the vaginal birth of a baby. Considerable pressure can cause a tear to develop in the vagina which can spread across the perineum.

Occasionally, if a new mother is extremely unlucky, the tear will continue beyond the perineum and into the muscles around the anus which control the passing of wind and faeces. This is referred to as the anal sphincter.

If any damage occurs to these crucial muscles during childbirth, it is essential that the professional present at the birth identify the full extent and precise nature of the injury. This should ensure that a comprehensive repair is carried out.

Severe birth tears, otherwise referred to as OASI or 3^rd and 4^th degree tears, need to be classified according to the guidelines of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists as follows:

A 3a tear affects up to 50% of the external anal sphincter
A 3b tear damages more than 50% of the external anal sphincter
A 3c tear additionally damages the internal anal sphincter
A 4^th degree tear additionally damages the lining of the anal canal

All of these injuries can cause a woman to suffer from leakage or incontinence of wind and faeces and need to be repaired.

Was my maternity care negligent?

A failure to diagnose and repair a severe tear may be regarded as negligent and justify a claim for compensation. Examples of negligent care which may contribute to this situation could include the following:

A failure to carry out an examination of the perineal area following a vaginal birth, including a digital rectal examination
A failure to identify that any damage has occurred
A failure to diagnose an injury correctly
A failure to carry out a comprehensive and effective repair

Claiming compensation

If negligent care has left you with the appalling symptoms of bowel incontinence, it may be possible to make a claim. Where appropriate, a successful claim would take account of any loss of earnings or costs of treatment or equipment which has been necessitated by the impact of the negligence.

Free legal advice

Glynns Solicitors are specialists in medical negligence law with a team of friendly solicitors with extensive experience in 3^rd and 4^th degree tear compensation claims.

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.

Start a free enquiry Call free: 0800 234 3300