Maternity Tear Misdiagnosis and Challenging the Quality of Care
A misdiagnosis of a maternity tear may leave a new mother with permanent bowel problems. Talk to a solicitor about claiming compensation for the financial consequences.
Assessing birth tears in vaginal childbirth
Giving birth to a baby may be a natural process but that does not mean that it does not have inherent and, sometimes, severe risks associated with it.
Maternity professionals should be alert to these risks and do everything necessary to try to prevent and resolve any problems that occur.
A risk of vaginal childbirth which can be particularly debilitating is the development of a 3rd or 4th degree tear during the delivery of the baby. These tears, which extend from the vagina, across the perineum and into the anal muscles, can cause permanent and disabling symptoms. This can include loss of control of the passing of wind and faeces as well, in some cases, as the need for a stoma to be fitted.
Diagnosis and misdiagnosis
A prompt and accurate diagnosis of an anal injury during vaginal childbirth is absolutely crucial. Without this, a repair will not be carried out, or perhaps only a partial repair will be carried out and the new mother will suffer with appalling bowel problems which can affect almost every aspect of her daily life and well-being.
If the quality of a woman's maternity care is found to have been inadequate, leading to such a distressing situation, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Guidelines recommend that all women who have given birth through the vagina should undergo a digital rectal examination precisely to assess for these injuries. Any anal injury should be recorded accurately as follows:
- A 3a tear damages up to 50% of the external sphincter
- A 3b tear damages more than 50% of the external sphincter
- A 3c tear additionally damages the internal sphincter
- A 4th degree tear additionally damages the lining of the anal canal
A failure of accuracy can lead to a misdiagnosis and long-term negative consequences for the new mother.
Speak to a specialist solicitor
If you think that this distressing scenario may apply to you, the first step is to talk to a specialist solicitor.
They will obtain copies of your medical records and assess the quality of your care. Where appropriate, they will then support you through the process of making a claim for the financial impact of your symptoms.
Contact Glynns Solicitors, the specialists in medical negligence law, for a free consultation with a solicitor about the possibility of making a claim.
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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