What is an Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injury (OASI) and who is affected?

An OASI is the most severe type of perineal tear during childbirth, affecting around 44,000 new mothers annually in the UK, potentially causing faecal incontinence.

Why are OASI rates increasing at St Mary's Hospital on the Isle of Wight?

OASI rates are rising nationally due to factors like older maternal age and larger babies, and sometimes due to the use of forceps during delivery.

Where can women find specialist help for birth injuries like OASIs?

Women can seek help from perinatal pelvic health clinics, or be referred by GPs to colorectal or urogynaecology services for treatment.

Home / Health / Birth Injury Leaves Mother with Bowel Incontinence

Birth Injury Leaves Mother with Bowel Incontinence

13 Jan

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Summary

Severe tears, known as OASIs, affect 44,000 new mothers annually.
Increased rates of OASI linked to older mothers and larger babies.
Specialist help is available for birth injuries, even years later.

Birth Injury Leaves Mother with Bowel Incontinence

Severe birth tears, known as obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIs), are affecting an increasing number of new mothers, with approximately 44,000 cases each year in the UK. These injuries, often resulting from complex deliveries involving forceps, can lead to life-changing conditions such as faecal incontinence.

The rise in OASIs is partly attributed to demographic shifts, including an increase in older first-time mothers and the prevalence of larger babies. Compounding these factors are systemic issues within maternity care, with reports indicating a lack of empathy and inadequate support for women experiencing these injuries.

Specialist help, including perinatal pelvic health clinics and colorectal or urogynaecology services, is available through the NHS. Despite potential hurdles in accessing these services, experts emphasize that incontinence after childbirth is common but treatable, urging women not to accept it as a normal consequence of birth.