Women’s Pain and Birth Trauma: Highlighting the Gender Pain Gap
Medical Negligence
29 April 2026
min read
Key Takeaways
The gender pain gap – where women’s pain complaints are dismissed – contributes to serious birth injuries including delayed intervention and inadequate pain management.
• Delayed diagnosis and inadequate pain management during childbirth cause severe perineal tears leading to long-term incontinence and sexual dysfunction
• Birth injuries include postpartum haemorrhage, shoulder dystocia (baby’s shoulders stuck in birth canal), and birth asphyxia causing cerebral palsy
• Rural and remote pregnant women face specialist access disparity, relying on general practitioners lacking specialized knowledge for high-risk pregnancies
• Medical negligence claims available if mothers or babies sustained injuries due to inadequate care during childbirth
Highlighting the Gender Pain Gap
This article aims to raise awareness about the gender pain gap and its potential to cause injury to mothers and babies during childbirth. It also explores the legal options available to mothers and their babies if they have sustained injuries due to receiving inadequate care during childbirth.
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 is not only 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
You might also be
interested in
Medical Negligence
29 April 2026
min read
How long does a medical negligence claim take?
Understand how medical negligence claims are resolved, from evidence review to courtroom outcomes. Explore frequently asked questions and learn more now.
Medical Negligence
29 April 2026
min read
How Can I Tell If My Injury Was Caused by Medical Negligence?
In this guide, we explain signs that can determine if your injury was caused by medical negligence. Find out if you have a case for compensation. Read now.
Have you suffered a
serious injury
Allowing seriously injured people to secure the compensation they deserve so they can return to enjoying life.
Unsure? Give us a call
What Our Clients
Are Saying
Featured Testimonial
I cannot speak highly enough of my experience with this workers Compensation team. When I first reached out, I was completely overwhelmed and unsure about the process. I hit rock bottom - unable to return to work, struggling emotionally, and feeling like I had no direction. From the very beginning, the solicitors were nothing short of amazing. They were patient, understanding and incredibly supportive at a time when I needed it most. They took the time to explain every step in a way I could understand, never making me feel rushed or alone. Their professionalism was matched only by their compassion and that combination made all the difference. Throughout the entire journey, I felt heard, respected and genuinely cared for. They fought for me when I didn’t have the strength to fight for myself and thanks to their dedication, I was able to get the outcome I needed to rebuild my life. If you’re unsure, scared or feeling lost like I was, I can confidently say you will be in the best hands with this team. They helped me through one of the hardest chapters of my life, and I am truly grateful. I can’t thank or recommend Garling & Co Lawyers enough.
Matthew Garling and his team have provided incredible support and guidance throughout my MVA damages claim this year, and I can’t thank them enough for making this journey feel like such a breeze. When I initially engaged Garling & co, I had no understanding of what was ahead. I was anxious and unsure about the process, while also navigating the physical challenges of my injuries. With assurance that my matter was being handled with high level of expertise, professionalism and integrity, I was able to focus on recovery instead. Throughout the process, Matthew and Allison have been honest, straightforward and efficient in all communication; being a supportive buffer in all dealings with the insurer, and consistently committed to a successful outcome. The outcome was excellent, and it is with huge relief and great thanks that I can put this matter behind me. I would highly recommend the services of Garling and co for any injury claims of a similar nature, and I’m forever grateful to Matthew and his team.
A big thank you to Matthew for his expertise, dedication, and genuine care in handling my matter. The outcome exceeded my expectations, and I am truly grateful for the excellent work of his entire team. Outstanding results - highly recommended.