Women's Pain and Birth Trauma

The Gender Pain Gap and its Impact on Birth Outcomes

Research shows that women experience pain differently to men, but their complaints of pain are often dismissed and downplayed. For further information, please read ‘The Gender Pain Gap Revealed – And Women Aren‘t Surprised’ available at https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/gender-pain-gap-revealed-and-women-arent-surprised]. This phenomenon, known as the gender pain gap, can have a significant impact on birth outcomes.

• Delayed Diagnosis and Intervention: When a pregnant woman’s pain is downplayed, it can lead to delays in diagnosis and intervention, potentially causing complications for her and her baby.
• Inadequate Pain Management: Inadequate pain management during childbirth can not only be a physically harrowing experience but can also lead to psychological trauma, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Rural and Remote Challenges

The disparity in access to specialists, particularly in rural and remote areas, further exacerbates the challenges that pregnant women face. Rural mothers may rely on general practitioners (GPs) who might not have the specialised knowledge or resources for advanced pain management techniques for high-risk pregnancies and complex deliveries.

Potential Birth Injuries

The gender pain gap can contribute to various birth injuries to mothers and newborns, including:

• Severe Perineal Tears: These tears can lead to long-term complications such as incontinence, sexual dysfunction, and chronic pain.
• Postpartum Haemorrhage: Excessive bleeding after childbirth, if not promptly addressed, can be life-threatening. For more information, please visit  https://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-professionals/obstetrics-gynecology/news/postpartum-hemorrhage-risks-and-current-management/mac-20533920.
• Shoulder Dystocia: This occurs when a baby’s shoulders get stuck in the birth canal during delivery. It can lead to nerve damage, fractures, and even brain injury in the baby if not identified and addressed promptly. For more information, please visit  https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-bulletin/articles/2017/05/shoulder-dystocia.
• Birth Asphyxia: This is deprivation of oxygen to the baby’s brain during birth, potentially causing permanent brain damage and long-term disabilities such as cerebral palsy. For more information, please visit https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430782/.

Beyond the Gender Pain Gap: Other Causes of Birth Injuries

Birth injuries can also occur due to other factors such as:

• Failure to monitor fetal heart rate adequately
• Failure to recognise signs of fetal distress during labour
• Delayed Caesarean sections leading to brain damage in the baby
• Improper diagnosis and management of postpartum haemorrhage

Creating a Safer Birthing Experience

To improve birth outcomes and reduce the risk of birth injuries, the following strategies are crucial:

• Education for Healthcare Professionals: Increased training for healthcare providers on recognising and managing pain in women, particularly during childbirth, is essential.
• Improved Access to Specialists: Better access to pain management specialists, who specialise in the management and treatment of women in labour is vital, especially in rural areas.
• Open Communication: Fostering open communication between mothers and healthcare providers allows for timely intervention and improved birth outcomes. Mothers should feel empowered to advocate for their needs and express their pain effectively.

Conclusion

By acknowledging the gender pain gap and prioritising women’s experiences, we can create a safer birthing environment for all mothers and newborns. This will not only reduced medical negligence claims but, more importantly, ensures a positive and healthy birthing experience.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a qualified medical negligence lawyer for personalised legal advice.

Seeking Legal Options

If you or your child sustained a birth injury due to a lack of timely and appropriate care, you may have a viable medical negligence claim. Consulting a medical negligence lawyer specialising in birth injuries can help you understand your legal options and determine the best course of action.  Contact Garling & Co Lawyers today