Ensuring informed birth choices: The importance of understanding risks.
Childbirth is a significant life event, and while most experiences are positive, complications can arise. Informed decision-making during the antenatal period is crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of both mother and baby.
The need for informed choices
Expectant mothers should receive comprehensive, unbiased information about the potential risks and benefits of various birthing options, including Caesarean sections, vaginal births, and other interventions. This empowers them to make decisions aligned with their individual health needs and preferences.
However, in practice, the risks of vaginal births are often underrepresented compared to those of Caesarean sections. Many women remain unaware that in the UK:
- Nearly 40% of women undergo instrumental delivery or Caesarean section.
- 50% of first-time mothers experience these interventions.
- 4% of women suffer third or fourth-degree tears, leading to long-term bowel control issues and incontinence.
Lack of comprehensive counseling
At Tees Law, our Medical Negligence team has supported numerous women who faced traumatic childbirth experiences. Despite expressing concerns or requesting a Caesarean section, some were advised against it without a full understanding of the risks of vaginal delivery.
Anna’s story: A preventable trauma
In 2018, Anna (not her real name) suffered a third-degree tear during vaginal birth. Despite having pre-existing bowel difficulties, including slow transit and severe constipation, her concerns about vaginal delivery were repeatedly dismissed. Her visual impairment added to her vulnerability.
Missed opportunities
Throughout her pregnancy, Anna consistently raised concerns:
- She was advised to stop taking stimulant laxatives without thorough discussions on alternative options.
- Her repeated questions about Caesarean delivery were met with reassurances that vaginal birth was “safest for the baby.”
- Risks associated with vaginal delivery were not communicated, despite her history of bowel issues.
When her baby was positioned “back-to-back,” increasing delivery risks, she was still discouraged from a Caesarean.
Traumatic delivery and lasting impact
Anna endured two days of contractions, leading to an instrumental delivery using forceps without an episiotomy. Following the birth, she was informed of her third-degree tear and its consequences, which severely impacted her quality of life.
Despite her long-standing bowel condition, appropriate postnatal care and medication were delayed. She continues to experience bowel urgency, incontinence, and symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
The fight for justice
Anna’s experience is not isolated. NICE guidelines state that if a vaginal birth remains unacceptable to a mother after counseling, a Caesarean section should be offered. However, a 2018 Birthrights report revealed that only 26% of Trusts adhered to this best-practice guidance.
At Tees Law, we are committed to holding healthcare providers accountable for failures in maternal care. Our experienced Medical Negligence solicitors support clients in pursuing justice, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights upheld.
Contact us
If you or someone you know has experienced medical negligence during childbirth, our dedicated team is here to help. Reach out to Tees Law today for expert legal support and compassionate guidance.
