Anal Sphincter Care in Vagina Childbirth and When to Claim Compensation
If you are struggling with distressing bowel problems and suspect that your maternity care may have been negligent, contact a specialist solicitor to discuss the possibility of making a claim for compensation.
Anal sphincter damage in vagina childbirth
Giving birth through the vagina puts a woman at risk of damage to her anal sphincter, the muscles which control the passing of wind and faeces. Thankfully, this occurs only to a small minority of women in this situation but, for those who do suffer this appalling injury, the consequences can be absolutely devastating.
Loss of control of the passing of wind and faeces, otherwise referred to as leakage or incontinence can blight a woman's life. She may find that it is now very difficult to work, especially in some fields of employment such as hospitality, healthcare, and education.
Essential maternity care of the anal sphincter
Consequently, the attention which medical professionals should pay to the integrity of a new mother's perineum and anal sphincter, needs to be scrupulous.
The Care Bundle guidelines recommend that every woman who has given birth through the vagina should undergo a digital rectal examination specifically to check the condition of her anal sphincter for signs of injury.
If any damage has occurred to these important muscles, it needs to be diagnosed accurately as either a 3a, 3b, 3c or 4th degree tear. It then needs to be effectively and comprehensively repaired to ensure that the woman does not suffer a lifetime of distressing and disabling bowel symptoms.
Medical professionals may be regarded as having been negligent in the quality of their care in the following circumstances:
- A failure to carry out an examination
- A failure to recognise that an injury has occurred
- A misdiagnosis of anal sphincter damage
- An inadequate repair of anal sphincter damage
When to claim compensation
If you are struggling with debilitating bowel problems due to maternity failings during the birth of your baby, you may be entitled to claim compensation.
For example, if you are now finding it difficult to work because of your symptoms and are experiencing a loss of income, this would be included in your claim.
If you are needing to undergo treatment to manage your symptoms or need specialist equipment, the costs of this could be included in your claim.
Speak to a medical negligence solicitor
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with a wealth of expertise in severe birth tear claims.
Contact us today to talk to a solicitor, free of charge, about your situation and 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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