CONTACT US

Make an initial enquiry to see how we can help you

Please let us know your name.
Invalid Input
Please enter a valid phone number
Please let us know your email address.
Please let us know your message.




News & Insights

Catch up with the latest news.

 

Author :

Sometimes during birth, the area between the vagina and anus (the perenium) needs to stretch quite a lot, for a baby to be able to be delivered. However, sometimes during this process, this may cause a tear. This is usually more common in first-time mothers who are giving birth naturally. 

Studies have suggested that for first-time births, it is a more common occurrence to sustain severe injuries involving the rectum or anal muscle. This is more likely if the perineum tears spontaneously rather than if an episiotomy is performed.  

What is an episiotomy 

If you require to have the perineum cut during labour, this is known as an episiotomy. This procedure allows the vagina to open more widely, resulting in a baby being able to pass through more easily.

Why is an episiotomy carried out?

It is reported that an episiotomy is performed in around one in every six births.

If your baby becomes distressed during labour, an episiotomy may be recommended. If your baby is in distress, this can mean that they are not getting enough oxygen. A quick delivery must be carried out, to avoid the risk of stillbirth or birth defects.

An episiotomy may also be recommended when your vagina needs to be widened to assist with the birth. Other birthing instruments may be used in this case such as forceps or ventouse suction to help further with the birth. 

It can be the case that during delivery, the perineum may tear, as the baby is being delivered. If an episiotomy is being carried out, this can assist when a baby requires to be born urgently or can help prevent a more severe tear. 

If an episiotomy is required, then this will be discussed with you prior to the procedure being carried out. 

An episiotomy will require to be repaired under anesthetic in theatre.  

What is a vaginal tear?

According to NHS Inform, around 3 in 10 women will suffer from a first or second degree tear, and 5 in 100 women will have a third or fourth degree tear.

You are more at risk of a perineal tear if:-

  • it is your first vaginal birth
  • the baby is in an unusual position
  • the birth is very quick
  • forceps are used to help with the delivery
  • your baby weighs more than 4kg (8.5 lbs)
  • you give birth lying down 
  • the second stage of your labour lasts longer than one hour
  • your baby's head is delivered but one of their shoulders gets stuck behind your pubic bone (shoulder dystocia)

If you suffer from a vaginal tear during surgery, it may that the tear has occurred in the perineum area. This could be:

  • a first-degree which is small, and will usually heal natrually
  • a second-degree tear which is deeper and will affect the muscle of the perineum and the skin. Second degree tears will usually require stitches.

However, more severe tears are categorised as follows:-

  • a third-degree tear, which extends down from the vaginal wall and perineum to the anal sphincter. This is the muscle that controls the anus. 
  • a fourth-degree tear which extends to the anus or rectum.

How is a tear diagnosed?

After you have given birth, you have an examination carried out by either the midwife or doctor. If it is suspected that you have a tear, this will be either left to heal naturally, or stitches may be required. However, in the case of a more severe tear, this will need to be repaired in theatre, and will usually require an epidural for the procedure. 

When could a vaginal tear have been due to medical negligence?

It may be possible to seek compensation if you have experienced problems with a vaginal tear after giving birth. Sometimes a perineal tear can be incorrectly diagnosed or missed by medical professionals, and if it is not repaired after birth it can cause infection and/or pain and lead to problems such as incontinence, vaginal discharge and/or bleeding, uncontrollable flatulence and difficulties with going to the toilet and engaging in sexual intercourse. 

If you have been affected by medical negligence, we can help you find out if you have a birth injury compensation claim. Call our personal injury lawyers today on 0800 011 9440 or by completing our online contact form

CONTACT US

Please let us know your name.
Invalid Input
Please enter a valid phone number
Please let us know your email address.
Please let us know your message.


  • Ranked in Chambers 2023
  • The Legal 500 - Leading Firm 2023
  •