If you have recently given birth vaginally and are experiencing problems with your bowel, you might have an undiagnosed severe birth tear.
What sorts of bowel problems might occur?
Some degree of alteration in your bowel movements might occur after childbirth, especially if you have had an episiotomy or suffered a perineal tear. You may feel constipated for a few days and you might need laxatives in order to make it easier to empty your bowels. These symptoms should ease fairly quickly.
However, if you are experiencing the following problems, you might need to talk to your GP or health visitor:
- Passing faeces, or leaking, without meaning to (i.e. being incontinent)
- Having very little time to get to the toilet once you feel the urge to poo
- Leaking faeces via the vagina
- Passing wind without control
What is a severe tear?
The above-mentioned symptoms might mean that you have an undiagnosed severe perineal tear or that your tear has been repaired inadequately.
A severe tear which is not thoroughly and competently repaired at the time of the birth can cause long-term bowel problems.
Third and fourth degree tears are regarded as severe perineal tears because they cause damage to the anus (and the functioning of the bowel) and require surgical repair in an operating theatre.
A third degree tear causes damage to the external, and sometimes internal, sphincter muscles which control the opening and closing of the bowel. If these muscles are injured, the woman can become unable to control the passing of both wind and faeces.
A fourth degree tear additionally damages the lining of the internal anal canal and, if not repaired promptly, can allow a fistula to develop between the bowel and the vagina.
What should happen with a severe tear?
The most important action regarding a severe tear is its accurate and prompt diagnosis after the birth of the baby.
If the attending medical professionals do not notice that the new mother has suffered a severe tear, there will be no arrangements made for its repair.
Likewise, if the diagnosis is inaccurate and a severe tear is mistaken for a small tear (1st or 2nd degree), the subsequent repair is unlikely to thorough.
Once diagnosed, the tear should be repaired by a skilled and experienced surgeon as soon as possible.
Medical Negligence
If you are suffering with terrible bowel problems due to an undiagnosed severe perineal tear, you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation.
We have supported numerous women in their claims for compensation regarding perineal trauma and would be happy to advise you.
Contact us to discuss your experience with a solicitor who specialises in this field.
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.