Mum campaigns for improved maternity safety after her birth injury went undetected for more than two years

A mum is campaigning for improved maternity care after suffering a life-changing birth injury that went undetected - and was only diagnosed two years later.

Zara Ishfaq has revealed how she endured ongoing pain and distress after suffering a serious perineal tear when giving birth to her first child at Whipps Cross Hospital in East London.

It followed a prolonged labour lasting three days. During delivery, baby Aariz’s head became stuck. He was delivered by forceps weighing 7.7pounds.

Aariz was not injured but Zara, of Woodford Green, London, suffered a serious post-delivery bleed, losing around two litres of blood.

Despite complaining of symptoms and attending medical appointments it took more than two years before Zara received an official diagnosis, during which time her complications worsened.

Zara, an accountant, continues to suffer with ongoing bowel complications, including having a stoma, despite repair surgery.

She instructed expert medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to secure answers and access to the specialist ongoing therapies and rehab she requires.  

She is sharing her story to raise awareness of the devastating impact of birth trauma injuries, also known as obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASI), and to empower other women. In particular, Zara wants to highlight the increased risk of these tears among women of South Asian heritage during childbirth.

It comes after Barts Hospital Trust, which runs Whipps Cross Hospital, admitted a breach of duty in Zara’s care following legal submissions by lawyers at Irwin Mitchell. The Trust admitted Zara suffered a tear during delivery, the severity of which was underestimated. It added that with earlier detection Zara’s tear would have been repaired sooner, and on the balance of probabilities, the serious complications she went on to suffer would have been avoided.

Madeleine Nugent, the expert medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Zara, said: 

“Zara’s traumatic experience not only highlights how serious birth injuries can go unrecognised but the devastating impact they have. What should have been such a joyous time for Zara welcoming her child into the world ended up in years of worsening pain and complications, many of which we feel could have been avoided.

 

“Sadly, like too many women who have suffered a birth injury, Zara was left trying to navigate a complex system in order to receive a diagnosis but also answers. While, following our investigations, we’re pleased to have secured Zara with the answers she deserves, nothing can make up for what she’s been through and the uncertain future she faces.  

 

“We’re now working towards a settlement which will allow Zara to access the specialist support she needs to regain more of her old life. In the meantime, it’s vital that lessons are learned to improve maternity safety for other mums.”

Zara gave birth to Aariz, her and partner Omair’s first child, on 21 December 2021. She had to be cut and forceps were used during the vaginal delivery. Zara was sent home two days later.

On Boxing Day 2021, she attended a post-natal appointment reporting pain, swelling and suspected infection.

On 28 December, she sought further help after experiencing increased pain and feeling feverish, with concerns about wound healing.

Despite raising concerns, Zara was reassured that her condition was improving following a post-natal check in January 2022.

However, in the months that followed, she began to experience changing bowel habits.

By 29 June 2022, she reported changes going to toilet more frequently and loose poo as well as leaking. She was advised to do pelvic floor exercises.

During a follow-up appointment in December 2022, Zara complained of continuing symptoms and needing to wear an incontinence pad.

She was referred for a specialist assessment and seen in July 2023. Following tests, she had confirmation in May 2024 that the severity of the perineal tear sustained at birth was underestimated, and she would require life changing surgery to try and repair the damage.

Zara underwent repair surgery in May 2025. However, she continues to suffer with ongoing symptoms.

She said: 

“The only way to describe my prolonged labour was traumatic. Even as a first-time mum I felt something wasn’t right. It was terrifying when Aariz’s head became stuck and I was just hoping he would be okay.

 

“In the days after giving birth I didn’t feel right. I was in pain and developed a fever. But each time I sought medical advice I was given the impression that nobody seemed to think there was anything to worry about.

 

“That started what felt like a constant back and forth trying to get to the root of my issues. Over time my symptoms became worse and had a greater effect on my life and also my ability to bond with my baby.

 

“While my friends were meeting in the park and attending baby groups, I was barely able to leave the house. I struggled on, but the situation was dire.

 

“In some ways I was pleased to finally get a diagnosis. It felt like a vindication of what I’d been through was genuine. I started to get a sense of understanding as to why my symptoms were so severe and debilitating.”

Following her diagnosis, Zara, has researched more into birth trauma injuries. She is now campaigning to improve awareness and obstetric care for mums in labour.

Previous research from the birth injury charity The MASIC Foundation found around one in 20 first-time mums suffer an OASI during childbirth. However, further studies found women of Asian heritage are at up to six times greater risk of suffering an OASI during their first natural delivery than white women.

Research commissioned by Irwin Mitchell found a quarter of mums are not confident in the safety and quality of their local maternity services. The YouGov poll of 1,145 adults in England and Wales also found 27 per cent believe maternity services are declining, compared with 22 per cent who think they are improving.

Zara, who has since had another baby, Elayna 1, added: 

“After giving birth I went from a strong, independent and resilient woman to someone reliant on others.

 

“I started reading more about giving birth to a large baby and found that a caesarean can help prevent some of the injuries I suffered. I wasn’t offered a caesarean but knowing what I know now, if I’d have been offered one, I definitely would have chosen that delivery method.

 

“My second pregnancy was affected because of my symptoms. I suffered with hyperemesis – serious sickness. Because of my injuries it was coming out of both ends. I suffered with infections and at one point developed sepsis.

 

“I feel so blessed and lucky to have my children and they’re adorable. However, that I had to go through the experience I did will always upset me.

 

“It’s not just the physical injuries that affect you, it’s the psychological toll of having a reduced quality of life. Too many women are suffering unnecessarily and more needs to be done to improve maternity care but also break the taboo around birth injuries to mums.  

 

“The solution starts with listening to women. If birth injuries are recognised earlier, treated sooner, and taken seriously, fewer women will have to live for years with preventable suffering.

 

“My story isn’t just about what happened to me - it’s about trying to make sure it doesn’t happen to the next woman and empowering mums to know their bodies and make sure they’re involved in their maternity care.”