Having a baby is supposed to be an exciting and happy time. However, if you have suffered a fourth degree tear, you may feel some of this happiness has been diminished by your painful childbirth experience.
Common types of tear during childbirth
90% of women experience some degree of tearing when they give birth. This tearing happens in the perineum, which is the area between the vagina and the anus.
Most women will have a first or second degree tear, and if stiches are required, they will be done in the delivery suite. These types of tears are unlikely to cause any future problems.
A very small percentage of women (roughly 9%), will have experienced a more serious tear, classed as third or fourth degree tear. These types of tears can cause future challenges and problems.
Could you be entitled to a fourth degree tear claim?
You could be entitled to a medical negligence claim under the following circumstances:
• You were not offered a caesarean section even though your labour was very lengthy.
• You were not offered a caesarean section even though your baby was in the ‘back to back’ position.
• Your tear was not repaired properly or within a reasonable amount of time.
If you believe you have experienced any of the above, please contact us to discuss whether you have grounds for a fourth degree tear claim. We don’t charge a thing for initial advice.
