Birth Injury Issues: Understanding C-Sections and the Associated Risks

When it comes to giving birth, many women prefer to do so vaginally. But there are times when a vaginal delivery isn’t feasible or safe for the mother or baby. In those cases, a cesarean section might be required for the safety of both mother and infant.

What is a Cesarean Section?

Most commonly referred to as a “C-section,” a cesarean section is a procedure in which the baby is delivered via a cut through the belly. The uterus is then opened via the abdominal scar, and the child is born.

Why a Doctor Might Suggest a C-Section

There are plenty of reasons why your doctor might suggest a C-section. That said, it is important for you to discuss why they are making the recommendation and always do what is best for you and the baby.

Previous Medical History

One of the reasons a healthcare professional may want to perform a cesarean section is because the mother has undergone previous abdominal surgery, whether that’s an operation to remove fibroids or a C-section in the past. Scar tissue from past surgery builds up at the site of the incision into the uterine muscle fibers. Those tissues are less resilient than muscle fibers, and as a result, the uterus can break at the scar during labor contractions (or during the delivery), causing devastating harm to the mother and/or baby.

The Condition of the Baby

C-sections are the safest way to give birth in the case of some pregnancies. For instance, if the baby is too large relative to the mother’s pelvis, if there are deformities of the baby’s spine or organs, or if there is reason to think that the baby might not be able to withstand the pressure of labor, a non-labor C-section may be required.

C-Sections in Emergency Situations

Note that many concerns may arise during labor that could lead to an emergency cesarean birth. These reasons are often not present prior to childbirth, and they typically occur in the process of childbirth.

The most pressing need for a C-section (whether during or after labor) is a distressed mother or baby. In this case, there is no time to wait for a vaginal birth to take place. Distress can happen for several different reasons. Ultimately, your doctor or nurse must know and understand when you or your baby is in distress and must be able to act quickly and safely.

Time is of the essence when the distress of the mother or baby is involved. Thus, any hospital that has a maternity ward must be able to perform an emergency cesarean at any time, seven days a week. Additionally, anesthesia, pediatrics, and emergency nurses all need to be available 24/7.

Also, all expectant mothers should speak to their doctor about the care they’ll receive in the hospital where they will give birth. This conversation should include discussions on whether pediatric, neonatal, obstetric, and anesthesia staff are present at all times or whether they are dispatched from home in an emergency. Certainly, it would be far better for the mom and baby if these professionals were available in-house ahead of time.

What are the Risks of a C-Section

The risks of a cesarean section are similar to those associated with any major abdominal surgery. These risks include but are not limited to excessive bleeding or hemorrhage, injuries to the bladder, bowel, blood vessels, or nerves, injuries to the baby, oxygen deprivation for the mother and/or baby, complications related to anesthesia, damage to internal organs, and even death. While cesareans are not 100% safe procedures, with proper monitoring, the risks to both mother and infant can be greatly reduced.

When Is a C-Section Birth Injury Medical Malpractice?

There are two primary situations involving a C-section that could lead to birth injuries and be considered medical malpractice: when a cesarean is not performed in a timely manner and when it is performed improperly.

Failure to Perform a Timely C-section

Healthcare providers are responsible for closely monitoring both the mother and unborn baby to ensure their health. Doctors, nurses, and midwives must be alert to any signs of distress, complications, or immediate danger to either the mother or the baby. If distress or complications arise, an emergency C-section may be necessary. If the procedure is delayed, it can result in birth injuries such as brain damage, cerebral palsy, or hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE).

Failure to Properly Perform the C-section

If a C-section is required and the doctor performs it incorrectly, that constitutes a breach of the standard of care. Injuries resulting from an improperly performed C-section could lead to a medical malpractice lawsuit. Such errors can have devastating effects, leaving both the mother and baby with significant injuries.

Let a Laurel Birth Injury Attorney Help

If you or a loved one are having a cesarean section and you have questions or concerns about your rights or if something goes wrong, contact a birth injury attorney at our office as soon as possible.