Infection & Stitching Errors Causing Injury to Mothers During Childbirth

Infection Or Stitching Errors To Mother During Childbirth

No matter how a child is born – with or without medical assistance – the delivery of a baby pushes the mother’s body to its limits, and in many situations this means that there is a risk of tearing, and in the case of Caesarean Sections, an open wound will be created in order to assist the baby’s arrival. Where there are open wounds there is the risk of infection unless they are kept very clean and treated appropriately.

Postpartum infections, also referred to as Childbed Fever or Puerperal Fever, are bacterial infections of the female reproductive tract following childbirth or miscarriage. They usually occur within ten days of the delivery and can be more prevalent in women who have endured a C-Section. They can be treated using antibiotics, and in some cases preventative antibiotics will be given at the time of the procedure. These infections are not new – before doctors realised the connection between germs and infections, very many women suffered from these infections, and a great many died, including two of Henry VIII’s wives.

Sepsis, also referred to as Septicaemia or blood poisoning, is a life-threatening reaction to an infection which occurs when your immune system overreacts to an infection and starts to attack the body’s own organs and tissue. It can occur even when excellent care has been given, and so doctors and nurses should be constantly watching out for signs of sepsis developing so that if needs be it can be treated immediately, reducing the risk of long-term injury or even death. If it is allowed to take hold, the outcome can be horrific; take for example the case of Amber Taj from Huddersfield, Yorkshire, who waited seven hours for treatment despite showing clear signs of sepsis. She then spent 16 days in a coma while doctors tried to deal with the condition which eventually led to her have both of her feet amputated as a result of the infection. She claimed for compensation from Halifax and Huddersfield Hospital who admitted they should have treated her far more ungently, and subsequently paid out a six-figure sum in compensation.

Infections can arise from a lack of cleanliness or proper cleaning procedures but can also occur as a direct result of childbirth, so doctors and nurses should be constantly vigilant for any signs that point to a risk of infection. If stitching is necessary to close a wound it must be thoroughly clean before, during and after the surgery, with proper after-care and support provided. If you or someone you care for has suffered as a result of a post-natal infection or stitching errors, it is quite possible that you could make a claim for compensation – contact our friendly solicitors today and let us see how we can help you get the pay-out that you deserve.