Childbirth puts the body under a significant amount of strain. Afterwards a woman may have difficulties with the most basic of functions, including urinating and passing a bowel motion.
Difficulties after childbirth
Giving birth can cause a certain amount of internal trauma, and can particularly impact upon the function of the bladder, bowel and genital region. This will be especially true if an epidural has been administered, or if the perineum has been cut or has torn.
Because of this, it can be difficult to urinate after the birth. Note only will the area sting, the bladder itself can be temporarily paralysed, either due to the anaesthetic or the swelling. This means that even if a woman tries to go to the toilet, there may be a large amount of residual urine left in the bladder.
If a third or fourth degree tear has been sustained, the perineal pain will be severe. A woman may also have difficulty passing a bowel motion due to the injury in her anal sphincter(s).
Catheter and colostomy after childbirth
Due to these difficulties, it is perfectly normal for a woman to be fitted with a catheter shortly after the birth. This drains the bladder of urine, preventing a patient from having to urinate of their own accord. Normally this will be removed before a patient leaves hospital, although it is possible for complications to persist. If so, a woman may need a catheter in the long-term, and will have to learn how to self-catheterise.
If a woman also suffers anal symptoms – for example, she is unable to control the passing of faeces – she may also require a colostomy bag. This is more serious than a catheter as an operation will be needed to fit the colostomy. It is also harder to reverse, and again a surgical procedure will be required.
Medical negligence
Living with either a catheter or a colostomy can be very upsetting, especially if it is required in the long-term. But does this amount to medical negligence? The answer will depend upon the circumstances, and whether or not the actions of medical practitioners caused preventable complications to arise.
For example, if a surgeon damages the bladder during a C-section and a woman then requires a permanent catheter, there may be a case of medical negligence. Similarly, if medical practitioners fail to diagnose a third or fourth degree tear, and this leads to a permanent colostomy, there will be grounds for a medical negligence claim.
Claiming for a colostomy after childbirth
If you have been left with ongoing complications after giving birth and you believe medical error is to blame, please get in touch with us to discuss your options. You could be entitled to claim compensation.
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