Second Degree Tears

Second Degree Tears

Second degree tears are classified as tears which affect both the skin and the muscles of the perineum and vagina. They do not heal naturally - as opposed to first degree tears - instead they have to be treated with stitches following diagnosis. These stitches are to be administered by a trained midwife, under local anaesthetic. A thorough examination must be conducted following childbirth and following treatment to ensure that the mother's tears have been treated and diagnosed correctly. Healing time for second degree tears is good; they heal within the weeks following the birth. Tearing causing some discomfort but the discomfort coupled with second degree tears is not extensive.

Tear Prevention

It is not likely to be possible to prevent tearing during childbirth, but management of tearing may be possible. There are a number of ways in which childbirth tears may be managed:

1. Caesarean section for mothers carrying large babies with which there is likely to be a danger of severe tearing.

2. Awareness of tearing in past labours. A previous birth tear increases the likelihood of tearing during future births.

3. Birth partners.

4. Mediolateral episiotomy: during deliveries in which a tear is thought to be imminent and during deliveries requiring forceps.

What are the Costs?

1stClaims does not charge you for using our service and all initial enquiries with our Solicitors are also free of charge, so rest assured, this initial step of making an enquiry will not cost you anything.

Once one of our Solicitors has assessed the merits of your enquiry they will make a judgement on the likely chances of bringing a successful claim and if the prospects are good, they will normally offer to take your case on a No Win No Fee basis. NOTE: If your case is successful your Solicitor will deduct up to a maximum of 25% of your final settlement or compensation award as payment for their fees. You can find out more about No Win No Fee arrangements and the potential costs that can be incurred by clicking here.

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Second Degree Tears and Medical Negligence

If you have suffered a second degree tear, this alone is not substantial enough to make a medical negligence claim. However, if your second degree tear was not diagnosed or treated properly - you are likely to have grounds for a medical negligence claim. Misdiagnosis or failure to treat tears can lead to discomfort and complications for a mother. Medical negligence claims for childbirth tearing is also possible if your birth was negligently managed.

To find out more, give 1st Claims a call for free 0800 2888 693 (from a mobile click to call: 01348 630 720) or fill in an online enquiry. All initial enquiries are offered to you completely free of charge so you have the chance to talk your situation through with a specialist prior to beginning a claim.

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