Have you developed symptoms such as faecal urgency months or years after giving birth? If so you need to undergo medical investigations to verify the underlying cause.
Problems after vaginal deliveries
A vaginal delivery can cause a significant amount of muscle and nerve damage. For some women this will lead to ongoing symptoms after the birth, which may well be permanent. Problems can include:
- Faecal soiling
- Faecal leakage
- Incontinence of wind
- Faecal urgency with or without incontinence
- Perineal soreness
Why have I only just developed these symptoms?
These symptoms can arise at any point after a vaginal birth. Most commonly, problems will occur soon after the birth. Often this will indicate a severe tear – such as a third or fourth degree tear – that has not been repaired properly.
On the other hand, some women will find they develop these symptoms years after having given birth. Again, this could indicate a severe tear that has remained undiagnosed and unrepaired. However, it is more likely that it is due to pudendal nerve damage. Childbirth can damage the pudendal nerves, but problems may not arise until further down the line.
What should I do?
If you experience incontinence or faecal urgency after having a child, you must go to your GP. Your GP may then decide to refer you to a specialist, such as a gynaecologist or a colorectal surgeon. This is the best course of action as it will ensure that the underlying cause is identified. The type of treatment can then be pursued.
If you are suffering from pudendal nerve damage, you may be referred on to a physiotherapist.
However, if it is found that you have a tear which was not diagnosed and repaired at the time of the birth, you should be placed under the care of a colorectal expert (if you are not already). Furthermore, you should also contact a solicitor to talk about your injuries, as perineal tears should be diagnosed and treated immediately after the delivery. A failure to do so will amount to medical negligence, meaning you will be legally entitled to make a claim for compensation.
Talk to a lawyer today
To speak to a legal expert about a third or fourth degree tear that has only just been diagnosed, please get in touch with us today. We specialise in these claims and can help you further.