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One study in the British Journal of Gynaecology has revealed that 85% of women have some form of tear during their first childbirth. The number of women who suffer from severe third and fourth-degree tears increased from 2% to 6% between 2000 and 2012.

These kinds of injuries can lead to long-term complications, including urinary and anal incontinence as well as painful sex. However, as a result of these physical issues, the majority of women also face psychological problems, such as depression and lack of confidence that may force some of them to leave their job and change their lives forever.

Indeed, many women suffer in silence, embarrassed to seek help, or unsure whether their symptoms are normal after giving birth. And often when they do seek help, they are ignored or told by their doctors that their symptoms are to be expected and will improve.

Two women affected by these types of injuries have decided to tell their stories in a recent article published by the BBC News. In a joint project between the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the Royal College of Midwives; a new technique has been developed that those behind it say reduces the risk of a serious tear, by preventing the weakest point of the perineum from being damaged in delivery.

Over the next two years, numerous hospitals are set to adopt the techniques.

Rebecca Thomas, Clinical Negligence Director at Duncan Lewis, has commented: “Severe tears during childbirth can severely affect a woman’s quality of life and may result in severe consequences including anal and urinary incontinence as well as emotional and psychological injuries. The establishment of a programme including skills development to reduce the incidents of severe tearing during childbirth in the UK is a step in the right direction and is to be welcomed. The programme will be used initially in 16 UK maternity units with an overarching aim to standardise practice and reduce the rates of tears. The project is funded by the charity, Health Foundation”.

The firm's clinical negligence team has significant experience acting for client’s who have suffered gynaecological injuries arising from childbirth.

If you have suffered such an injury, please contact Duncan Lewis specialist Clinical Negligence team on 0333 772 0409.