What Is A 3rd Degree Tear in Childbirth?
A severe tear during vaginal childbirth can leave a woman with distressing and debilitating bowel symptoms. If it does not receive appropriate medical care, it may justify a claim for compensation.
3rd degree tears
A 3rd degree tear which occurs during childbirth is a severe form of a perineal tear which starts from the vagina and crosses the perineum to the anus.
These tears do not happen to every new mother who gives birth through the vagina but they do occur to around 5% of women. First-time mothers and those who require an instrumental delivery, especially forceps, are at the highest risk.
A 3rd degree tear is described as a severe injury because of the damage it does and the possible symptoms associated with it. Third degree tears, along with 4th degree tears, are described as anal sphincter injuries. This is because they cause damage to the anal sphincter, the muscles which control and prevent bowel movement.
If the anal sphincter is damaged, a woman can struggle to control the passing of wind and faeces and either suffer extreme urgency or incontinence.
Medical management of severe perineal tears
If a woman suffers a 3rd or 4th degree tear during childbirth, it is essential that she receives prompt and appropriate medical care. This involves the following:
- A thorough assessment of her perineum including a digital rectal examination to check for any sign of damage to the anal sphincter
- An accurate diagnosis and recording of her injury according to the guidelines and classifications of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists i.e. identification as either 1st, 2nd, 3a, 3b, 3c or 4th degree tear.
- A prompt repair by an appropriately-trained and experienced professional. In the case of 3rd and 4th degree tears, this requires the skills of a surgeon and the repair must be carried out in an operating theatre using the correct techniques according to the location of the damage
Medical negligence
A failure by medical professionals to carry out any of the above may be regarded as negligent.
If a woman suffers on-going and debilitating symptoms as a result of this negligence, she would be entitled by law to make a claim for compensation. For example, if her bowel symptoms meant that she was no longer able to continue in the same form of employment and suffered a reduction in income, a successful compensation claim would take account of these financial losses.
Consult a specialist lawyer
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with extensive experience of successful anal sphincter injury claims.
Contact us today if you are struggling with the shocking impact of an unrepaired 3rdor 4th degree tear due to substandard medical care. One of our team of lawyers will be happy to talk to you, free of charge, about the suitability 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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