Birth injury cases typically deal with the questions revolving around cesarean
section. Should nursing personnel have recognized ominous fetal heart
strip patterns that signaled the need for emergency C-section? Did they
notify the attending obstetrician in time for a C-section to have been
performed before the baby was injured? Did health care personnel move
quickly enough in performing the C-section after the decision was made?
Increasing the Need for a C-Section
Many obstetrical complications must be resolved with cesarean delivery.[1] These can include breech presentation, umbilical cord prolapse or entanglement,
macrosomia and placental abruption. Prolonged labor or premature delivery
sometimes result in C-section. Preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome often require
C-section to save the life of the mother and baby.
However, C-section is a significant surgical procedure and it involves risks.
Potential Dangers of a C-Section
During the cesarean section, both the mother and baby are at risk of injury[2]. The mother may sustain injury to adjacent organs, resulting in heavy
bleeding. Anesthesia is required, which carries its own set of risks.
After the C-section delivery, nursing staff must monitor the mother to
prevent and treat postoperative complications, such as hemorrhage, hematoma
or infection[3].
The baby can also be injured during a C-section by physical trauma or negligent
resuscitation[4].
Long-Term Dangers
C-section also poses long-term risks[5]. Post C-section scarring increases the mother’s risk of subsequent
placenta accrete, placenta increta, and placenta percreta. It is important
for the doctor to recognize these potential issues. Also, if the doctor
allows the mother to go through a vaginal birth after a cesarean section,
this could be dangerous for the mother.
Before you go into labor, you should understand the potential risks involved
with a cesarean section. In some cases, mothers have a planned cesarean
section because they have conditions that would make natural labor dangerous.
You should speak with your doctor to understand the dangers involved and
learn more about C-sections.
At Hampton & King, our
Houston birth injury lawyers understand how devastating it can be to sustain an injury during a C-section.
If your damages occurred as a result of the doctor’s negligence
— or because of the medical facility, nurse, or any other medical
professional — you should be able to hold them accountable for their actions.
Call our firm today to discuss your potential case with skilled and experienced attorneys.
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- C-Sections Decline But Risks Still Remain
- C-Sections Continue to Stir Controversy After One Mom’s Ordeal
- Obesity, C-Sections May Be Behind Rising Maternity Mortality Rate
