ABOUT THIS EPISODE
This week our host, Theo Clarke, is joined by Professor Ranee Thakar to discuss birth injuries, obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASI), and the importance of improving awareness, prevention, diagnosis and treatment for women after childbirth.
Topics discussed on the show include: perineal trauma during childbirth; what obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASI) are and how common they are; the impact of birth injuries on women’s physical and mental health; the consequences of undiagnosed injuries; risk factors for severe tears during childbirth; prevention, treatment and recovery; pelvic floor health; the current landscape of maternity care in the NHS; and the work of charities, such as MASIC, in supporting women affected by birth injuries.
BIOGRAPHY
Professor Ranee Thakar, MD, FRCOG, is a highly respected Consultant Obstetrician and Urogynaecologist based in London, with extensive experience in the diagnosis and management of pelvic floor and perineal conditions across a woman’s life course. She is also an Honorary Professor of Women’s Health at the University of Liverpool.
With many years of senior consultant practice, Professor Thakar specialises in caring for women with postnatal pelvic floor problems, bladder and bowel incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, perineal pain, and sexual dysfunction, as well as women experiencing pelvic floor symptoms around the menopause and later life.
Professor Thakar served as President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) from December 2022 to 2025, reflecting her national and international leadership in women’s health. Her global reputation is reflected through honorary fellowships from leading professional bodies.
RESOURCES
MASIC Foundationhttps://masic.org.uk
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG)https://www.rcog.org.uk
ABOUT THE HOST
Theo Clarke hosts the hit podcast Breaking the Taboo which ranks in the Top 5 most listened to shows in the UK for alternative health. She has also published a bestselling memoir Breaking the Taboo: Why We Need to Talk About Birth Trauma. She was the Member of Parliament for Stafford and won Speech of the Year at the Parliamentarian of the Year Awards in the UK. Theo was included in the prestigious Top 100 Women in Westminster list three years in a row.
This podcast is sponsored by the law firm Irwin Mitchell.
DISCLAIMER: This show is not intended to be medical advice – please seek advice from a GP or doctor.
www.theo-clarke.org.uk/podcast
Instagram: @theoclarkemp
Breaking The Taboo production team
Producer: Natasha Feroze
Researcher: Kate Kenyon
Designer: Emily Ryder
Social Media: Bella Carter
Studio Manager: Adam Woodward
Studio: Studio 55, part of Wolfe Power Club
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