If you are having difficulty controlling wind after the birth of your baby, it may be that you have an undiagnosed third degree tear. If so, you may wish to consider making a claim for compensation.
Perineal tears in childbirth
Suffering a tear to the area around the vagina during childbirth is not an unusual experience. The majority of women, especially those giving birth vaginally for the first time, are likely to tear as the baby is born. However, this does not mean that most women should expect to lose control of their bowels as a result.
For most women, a perineal tear which affects the skin and muscle between the vagina and the anus will heal fully and they will have no on-going symptoms. For a small minority of women, however, the tear will be more severe and result in additional damage to the muscles of the anus which control the bowels.
Diagnosis of severe tears
For women who have suffered a severe tear, several responses by her medical professionals are vital if she is to avoid a lifetime of misery and discomfort:
- That the tear is accurately diagnosed at the time of the birth
- That the tear is repaired by a skilled surgeon in an operating theatre
- That the full extent of the tear is repaired using appropriate techniques
In order for this to occur, it is necessary for the woman to undergo a thorough examination after the birth of her child to ensure that any damage is identified.
Long-term symptoms of an undiagnosed tear
Life for a new mother whose severe tear has been missed or misdiagnosed can be utterly miserable.
At a time when she would wish to be bonding with her new baby, the mother is probably experiencing pain and discomfort, difficulty controlling wind, and possible leakage of faeces, if not worse. A severe perineal tear is also likely to affect a woman’s experience of sexual intercourse and impact on her relationship.
Returning to a normal working and social life can also be extremely problematic if the woman needs to be close to toilet facilities due to her problems with her bowels.
Claiming compensation for substandard care
If the medical practitioners responsible for the woman during the birth have failed to diagnose her severe tear leading to a failure to repair the damage, they may be considered to have provided a substandard level of care.
The woman may need subsequent surgery to repair the damage but this is not always possible or successful at a later date whereas, had the damage been repaired at the time, most women make a good recovery within twelve months.
We have supported compensation claims on behalf of numerous women whose lives have been devastated by the failure to diagnose that they have suffered a severe perineal tear during the birth of their baby.
Speak to a solicitor
If you are suffering the appalling long-term symptoms of a misdiagnosed severe perineal tear, contact us to discuss your experience with a specialist medical negligence solicitor.
Make A Free Enquiry
If you, or your family member, has suffered a birth injury tear, please call us now for free, no obligation advice on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile click to call 01275 334030) or complete our Free Online Enquiry.