What Does a Third Degree Tear Look Like? Claiming Compensation
A third degree tear during vaginal childbirth is a severe birth tear which requires a surgical repair. The severity of birth tears varies considerably and it is important that a tear is accurately diagnosed and repaired appropriately.
Classification of birth tears
The least severe forms of tear are described as 1st and 2nd degree tears and can be repaired whilst the new mother remains in the maternity ward. They are likely to recover quickly.
- A 1st degree tear is a skin-deep injury only
- A 2nd degree tear affects both the skin and muscle between the vagina and the anus, the area described as the 'perineum'
More severe tears are less common and only occur to between 5% and 10% of women giving birth vaginally. They must be repaired by an experienced surgeon who has undergone training in this field of surgery and the procedure should take place in an operating theatre. It is essential that the appropriate techniques and materials are used to carry out such a repair in order to ensure that the wound does not break down, leaving the new mother with on-going symptoms.
Third and fourth degree tears are extended versions of a 2nd degree tear. They start at the vagina and cross the perineum but they continue to tear through the muscles which control bowel movement.
- A 3a tear damages up to 50% of the external anal sphincter
- A 3b tear affects more than 50% of the external anal sphincter
- A 3c tear additionally damages the internal anal sphincter
- A 4th degree tear, the most severe form, additionally damages the lining of the anal canal.
If you suspect that you have an undiagnosed third or fourth degree tear, you should talk to a medical professional in order to undergo a thorough assessment.
The impact of an undiagnosed 3rd degree tear
An undiagnosed 3rd or 4th degree tear will cause distressing and debilitating bowel problems and, if you have a birth tear which has not been repaired, you are probably suffering with urgency and leakage of both wind and faeces. If you are experiencing leakage of faeces from the vagina, you may have an undiagnosed fistula between the rectum and vagina which could be the product of an undiagnosed 4th degree tear.
The symptoms of an unrepaired severe tear can affect almost every aspect of life and restrict the extent to which a woman can work and the nature of employment she is able to undertake.
Claiming compensation
If you are suffering with the appalling effects of a 3rd or 4th degree tear because medical professionals failed to diagnose your injury, you may be able to claim compensation.
A successful claim will address not only your pain and suffering, but will also take account of any financial losses you have suffered and will suffer as a result of your negligent medical care.
Speak to a legal specialist
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with extensive expertise in severe birth injury claims. Contact us to talk to a lawyer, free of charge, about the possibility of making a claim for compensation.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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