Compensation for Severe Birth Tear after First Baby
A woman who is giving birth vaginally for the first time is at an increased risk of suffering a severe birth tear or obstetric anal sphincter injury. Competent management of any injury is essential if she is not to suffer long-term bowel problems.
Severe birth tears
As a baby is born through the vagina, the pressure on the surrounding skin and muscle to stretch can sometimes cause the new mother so suffer a tear. For the majority of women, this will only be a small, superficial teat from which she should recover effectively and promptly.
For an unfortunate few, however, the tear will be more extensive and may risk reducing the woman's control of her bowel function.
Severe birth tears, 3rd and 4th degree tears, cause damage to the anal sphincter muscles which control the passing of both wind and faeces and a failure by medical professionals to successfully diagnose and repair such an injury may be regarded as negligent.
Unfortunately, some women are more likely to suffer a severe birth tear than others and first-time mothers come into this category. Other risk factors include giving birth to a large baby, having an Asian ethnic background and needing the assistance of an instrumental birth, particularly where forceps are used.
Diagnosis of severe birth tears
Consequently, the guidelines of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists with regard to the management of severe perineal tears are particularly relevant to these groups of women.
The recent Care Bundle issued by the RCOG in relation to the prevention and management of severe birth tears identifies the need to carry out a thorough examination, including a digital, rectal examination, of all women who have given birth vaginally. This should ensure that any damage to the anal sphincter is diagnosed and repaired.
Medical negligence
If you are suffering from the appalling on-going symptoms of an unrepaired birth tear, it is possible that you did not undergo a thorough examination and did not receive an accurate diagnosis of your birth injury.
In such circumstances, the medical professionals who were attending the birth of your baby may be regarded as having provided only substandard, negligent care.
Contact Glynns Solicitors for specialist legal advice. We are experts in medical negligence compensation claims with a long history of supporting women who have suffered poor care at the birth of their baby.
Ring us today to talk to one of our team of experienced medical negligence solicitors.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
Make An Enquiry
Why Choose Us
- Specialist medical negligence solicitors
- Free initial enquiries
- No win, no fee available
Reviews
Our Expertise
Helping Clients Across England & Wales
