Women who suffer fourth-degree tears whilst giving birth at all time high
- 21.03.2019
- JessicaMG
- Clinical-negligence, Personal-injury, Clinical-negligence, Personal-injury
According to research by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) the number of fourth-degree tears among mothers who give birth through the birth canal is at an all-time high.
Approximately 90% of women will experience some form of tear during natural childbirth, however the number of women who suffer a fourth-degree tear - a tear in the perineal muscle, anal sphincter and/or rectum – whilst giving birth now stands at 10%. This means that around 67,000 women last year were left with long term problems after labour, including:
- Infection
- Incontinence
- Vagina loss
- Seepage
- Uncontrollable flatus
- Severe pain and discomfort
- Fear of having sex or giving birth
- Anxiety
- Depression
Unfortunately, there is usually no way to predict that an expectant mother will sustain a vaginal or anal sphincter tear during childbirth, and tears such as these can occur for a number of reasons - including:
- If the baby is particularly large
- If the baby’s shoulder gets lodged behind the pubic bone
- If the second stage of takes longer than expected
There is also evidence to show that in deliveries where forceps are used, there is an increased risk of tearing to occur. A study of more than a million women giving birth in NHS hospitals over ten years - carried out by the RCOG in 2013 - found that the amount of third and fourth-degree tears had tripled. In that same period, it was revealed that the use of forceps had increased from 9% to 16.1%.
Furthermore, a RCOG review of data from 1997 to 2017 showed that the likelihood of sustaining a sphincter tear during a forceps delivery is about two times higher than with a ventouse delivery (where a suction cap is fitted on the baby’s head). Despite this, RCOG figures show that forceps use in UK hospitals has doubled in the past five years.
Gill Edwards is a Partner and clinical negligence solicitor with PotterReesDolan, she comments:
Having helped women who have suffered these injuries, I know only too well the devastating impact they have on women both physically and mentally. Not only is the precious time spent with their new baby affected, but in the long term it can have an impact on their ability to care for their baby and to return to work because of the distressing symptoms.
To learn that there has been an increase in the number of fourth-degree tears is very worrying. The best outcome would be to prevent such serious tears but it is also vitally important that, if they do happen, they are identified early by the examining midwife and doctor so that they can be repaired properly
A full inspection of the perineum and vagina is usually carried out after a delivery, and healthcare professionals should spot any injuries before a mother is allowed to leave the hospital. However, this is not always the case.
Here at Potter Rees Dolan, we understand that the impact of vaginal and anal sphincter tears can be devastating, and that you have likely suffered severe pain and discomfort as a result. We work regularly with people who have sustained serious injuries as a result of medical negligence during childbirth and we are dedicated to providing sympathetic expert support, advice and care to make your life easier.
The highly reputable clinical negligence team includes Helen Dolan, Lesley Herbertson and Gill Edwards, who have more than 60 years’ experience between them and who are all featured in the prestigious Legal 500 and Chambers guides.
The team offers a highly personal service, working to give their clients a voice when things have gone wrong and is dedicated to improving standards in healthcare.
Should you have any queries about vaginal tears, birth injuries or indeed any other aspect of this article and wish to speak to Gill or any member of the clinical negligence team, please contact us on 0800 027 2557. Alternatively, you can contact Gill directly here.