Childbirth can leave you with ongoing injuries of both a physical and psychological nature. If these injuries are the fault of medical error, you could be entitled to pursue legal action for the damages you have wrongfully incurred.
Ongoing physical injuries after childbirth
All vaginal deliveries are associated with a degree of pudendal nerve damage. This happens during the active second stage of labour when the perineum descends. The pudendal nerve is fixed in the ischial region of the spine and cannot move. It therefore suffers harm during the delivery of the baby. The pudendal nerve serves the genitals, urethra and anus, meaning pudendal nerve damage can adversely affect sexual sensation, urinary sensation and anal sphincter control.
Another factor that can affect anal sphincter control is anal sphincter damage. All women who give birth by way of vaginal delivery are at risk of perineal tears. Third and fourth degree tears are the most severe and extend to the anal sphincter region. Such injuries can permanently reduce the function of the anal sphincter, making it difficult for a woman to control wind and faeces.
These ongoing problems can occur even if the tear is repaired to a reasonable standard. However, it is much more likely to affect women who injury was missed and left untreated. This will amount to medical negligence.
Ongoing psychological injuries after childbirth
It is not uncommon for women to experience psychological injuries after childbirth, particularly if the delivery was traumatic or there are ongoing physical injuries. There may be a number of different psychological conditions present, including post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorder and adjustment disorder.
Women who have trouble controlling their bowels often report symptoms of low mood, social and generalised anxiety, irritability, poor self-esteem, self-confidence and self-worth. There may also be intense anxiety in relation to sexual relationship and feelings of unattractiveness.
Understandably those who cannot control wind and faeces will become very self-conscious and want to avoid social events. This can extend to the working environment, making it almost impossible for a woman to return to work. This can have a devastating financial impact.
Are your injuries the fault of medical error?
If you have suffered physical, emotional and financial injuries after giving birth and medical error is to blame, you need to talk to a medical negligence solicitor. You could be entitled to claim compensation if substandard medical care caused your injuries.