After giving birth to a child, your body can undergo many different changes. Whether you delivered your child vaginally or via caesarean section (C-section), there are various conditions that you may suffer from after childbirth. If you or one of your family members suffered a serious injury after childbirth, you should consult with an experienced Baltimore birth injury lawyer. At Bennett & Heyman, P.A. we are dedicated to helping you pursue a claim against a negligent medical practitioner that may have caused your birth injuries. Our medical malpractice attorneys are here to explain signs you might have suffered an injury during childbirth.
Common Vaginal Injuries After Delivery
Childbirth can be difficult for a child and the mother. Many mothers can experience bruising birth injuries and other conditions that may result from bruising. The following is a list of conditions and injuries that may occur after giving birth.
Perineal Tears
Perineal or vaginal tears are one type of condition that may occur after childbirth. Perineal tears are classified in degrees, with first degree tears being the least severe and fourth degree tears being the most serious and painful. First degree perineal tears typically only affect the outer layer of skin surround the vagina and usually heal on their own. Second degree tears affect the muscles of the vagina and the skin around the anus. This type of tear is more painful and can take weeks to heal.
Third and fourth degree tears have the potential to affect the anal sphincter and muscles deep within the vagina and anus. Vaginal tears can be caused by long and difficult labors, the misuse of birthing tools, and many other factors. It is the responsibility of the physician or medical team in charge of your pregnancy to make choices that will minimize or eliminate injuries to you or your child during and after delivery. Many perineal tears can be located, diagnosed, and treated before they cause significant harm to a mother. Failure to diagnose a perineal tear may cause a physician or hospital to be liable for your injuries.
Prolapsed Uterus
A prolapsed uterus is another common injury associated with vaginal bruising. A prolapsed uterus occurs when a woman’s pelvic organs bulge into the vaginal area. A prolapsed uterus may affect a significant portion of women who have delivered a child. This condition is common if the mother has a long or difficult labor, or their child was larger than the typical weight of a newborn. Common signs and symptoms of a prolapsed uterus include pain during intercourse or while urinating, and the sensation of heaviness in the vaginal area.
In the event of a long delivery, doctors should suggest alternatives to prevent injury to a mother and the child, like a c-section or the use of birthing tools. Serious cases of a prolapsed uterus may require surgery to correct.
Pelvic Bone Injuries
Some women may experience pain in their pelvic area after giving birth to a child. This may be a warning sign that your pelvis suffered some type of injury during childbirth. For example, it is possible for a woman to suffer a broken tailbone after giving birth. A broken tailbone can be caused by having the baby travel through the birth canal rapidly or at an odd angle which causes your pelvis to bruise or fracture. This type of injury is also possible if your doctor incorrectly uses forceps when delivering your child. Common signs and symptoms of a broken tailbone include:
- Pain when sitting down
- Pain when standing for long stretches of time
- Difficulty or pain when using the bathroom
- Pain when having sex
Vaginal Hematomas
A vaginal hematoma occurs when blood pools in the soft tissues of the vagina. This type of injury is caused when blood vessels are broken. Your blood vessels may break when you are pushing, or if birth assisting tools are used during delivery. Common signs and symptoms of a vaginal hematoma include:
- Pain and swelling in the affected area that may be a purple or bluish color like a bruise
- Pressure on your urethra, which may cause painful urination or difficulty urinating
- The inflammation of tissue inside or outside the vaginal area
- Excessive bleeding
You can also suffer a vaginal hematoma if you undergo an episiotomy. An episiotomy is a surgical incision made near the vaginal opening to make it easier to deliver a child. Your physician can also be held liable for a surgical injury caused during childbirth.
Contact an Experienced Medical Malpractice Attorney Today
This is not an exhaustive list of conditions that may occur after giving birth. If you suffered a bruising or another type of injury after giving birth, a medical practitioner could be responsible for your injury.
At Bennett & Heyman, P.A. our Baltimore malpractice lawyers will work with you to determine the cause of your birth injury and who may be responsible for your injury. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your claim, contact us online or at 410-429-7856.
