The number of women who give birth by Caesarean section has almost doubled across the globe since 2000. While a C-section can save the lives of mother and baby in emergency situations, new data shows that this surgical procedure is being overused in some countries, most notably the United States. Unnecessary C-sections only increase the likelihood of birth injuries.
Reasons Women Might Need a C-Section
About 1 in 3 women have a surgical delivery. There are many reasons that a doctor might call for an emergency C-section, and there are plenty of reasons a woman will be scheduled for a C-section. These include:
- Stalled delivery.
- Improper positioning of the baby in the birth canal.
- Fetal distress.
- Maternal distress.
- Umbilical cord prolapse.
- Carrying multiples.
- Maternal obesity.
- Previous C-sections.
- Placenta problems.
A C-section is a major surgery. Even in a routine and seemingly straightforward C-section, complications can arise, like bleeding, infection, or organ damage. The risks are even greater during an emergency C-section when the baby must be delivered as soon as possible to avoid a threat to both baby and mother.
In complex labor situations, a doctor may persist with the progression of a vaginal birth – choosing to use tools like vacuum extraction or forceps to aid in delivery – to avoid putting the mother through an emergency surgical delivery until absolutely necessary. In obvious emergencies, a C-section may be the only solution. Any intervention can potentially lead to severe birth injuries.
Birth Injuries Caused by a C-Section
Both mother and baby can suffer life-altering birth trauma because of a C-section. Some of the most common complications during and after a C-section, delayed or not, include:
- Respiratory distress for the infant leading to irreversible brain damage and potentially cerebral palsy or developmental delays.
- Increased risk of physical injuries to the baby.
- A NICU stay, which is sometimes even necessary for babies that have been carried almost to term.
- Surgical infections for the mother and an increased risk of rehospitalization after delivery.
- Blood clots or hemorrhaging for the mother.
- Anesthesia injuries.
One C-section also means that subsequent births are more likely to be delivered as a C-section and risks go up from there with every pregnancy and surgical delivery.
Did Your Doctor Commit Medical Malpractice?
Birth is a natural process, but it is inherently dangerous in the hands of the wrong doctor, one who doesn’t have the experience or confidence to deliver your baby the right way in any situation. Medical malpractice is on the mind of every doctor in a delivery room, knowing that the wrong choices or delayed intervention can mean severe consequences for mother and baby.
If you or your child suffered birth injuries because of a poorly done or delayed C-section, contact the birth injury and medical malpractice lawyers at Thurswell Law. Schedule a consultation to discuss your situation and find out if you can get compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We do not charge any fees unless you collect. Call (248) 354-2222 today.
