An article published in the Daily Mail has drawn attention to mothers who suffer life-long injuries following the birth of their child.
Report by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
According to the article, a report undertaken by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has estimated that over 85% of women who have undergone a natural birth will suffer from perineal trauma (damage to the genitalia during childbirth that occurs spontaneously or intentionally by surgical incision). Out of this figure, 60-70% of those women will need to have their injury sutured.
Gynaecological injuries can have a serious impact on a mother’s recovery, during a time when she should be enjoying her newborn baby. Those injuries can lead to long term physical difficulties such as incontinence and painful or difficult intercourse. Furthermore, the Birth Trauma Association have reported that women who have suffered lengthy or short and very painful labour, induction, poor post-natal care, emergency caesarean section or high levels of medical intervention are also more prone to suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
It is accepted that childbirth is both complex and unpredictable, and for many, the injuries sustained usually occur naturally and are often in the form of vaginal tears. However, women should be aware that some injuries occur as a result of inadequate monitoring and care during labour, delivery and post-natal care. Such injuries can include severe vaginal tears, incorrect suturing, fissures, retained swabs or poorly managed infections.
Childbirth injury claims – how can Nelsons help?
Nelsons have successfully secured compensation for numerous women who have received negligent care during labour, delivery and postnatal care.
A recent example of this is Mrs T, who was admitted to the hospital in established labour, and upon receiving a transabdominal ultrasound scan, was advised that her baby was in the breech position. She was promptly taken for an emergency caesarean section. However, upon performing the procedure it was established that the baby was not in fact breach, but head-down and ready for a vaginal birth. Mrs T sustained a 16cm scar across her abdomen and developed a wound infection following discharge from the hospital which required antibiotics. She needed care and assistance at home due to restricted mobility and was unable to drive for six weeks following the operation. Mrs T had to self-administer Clexane injections into her stomach for 7 days. She also developed psychological injuries following the complicated birth, having been keen for a natural delivery without any intervention.
Had Mrs T undergone a vaginal delivery, she would have made a more rapid recovery. An independent expert Obstetrician advised that as a result of the unnecessary caesarean section future pregnancies could put her at risk of uterine rupture, haemorrhage, placenta accreta, placenta percreta, blood transfusions, injuries to her bowel, bladder and ureter, and hysterectomy. There could also be risks to the unborn baby.
The Trust admitted that an error had been made by the Registrar when performing the ultrasound scan, which was supported by the fact that the baby had a swelling on his head due to the pelvic scalp compression. The Trust apologised for the fact that Mrs T had to undergo an unnecessary caesarean section and our specialist Medical Negligence team was able to secure a five-figure settlement for Mrs T’s injuries.
It is unacceptable that women are enduring life-long injuries during the course of childbirth and postnatal care, and being exposed to future risk, and awareness should be raised so that women no longer suffer in silence with their symptoms.
Contact us on 0800 024 1976 or via our online enquiry form and they will be happy to discuss our legal services with you.