Caesarean section births have been on the rise for a number of years. As of 2004 they comprised approximately 29% of live births in the U.S. Many believe the increase is a result of malpractice lawsuits for complications from vaginal births, but c-section malpractice is not unheard of. Because of the complication and speed at which c-section surgeries happen, doctors and nurses can make mistakes. Sadly, the rate of c-section births is much higher than it needs to be and this dangerous surgery can lead to unforeseen complications.
Despite its commonality, caesarean section births are still a complex abdominal surgery. The doctor makes an incision just above your pubic bone and typically in a horizontal line. They may move the stomach muscle to the side and then make the incision in the uterus, through which the baby will be pulled. Afterwards they sew the uterus shut with special stitches that dissolve then your stomach incision will be closed with surgical staples or stitches.
In many instances, a caesarian section birth is conducted in an emergency situation, so problems can occur. Issues can range from problems with anesthesia to actual errors during the surgery itself. Complications after the fact are also something to be considered. Typically, when a doctor recommends a c-section it is because the risks of the surgery are outweighed by the risks to the mother and child during labor.
During the surgery itself, in some instances, the epidural given to the mother may not take effect properly, leading to secondary methods of anesthesia. These medications can lead to complications with respiratory function, a drop in heart rate and a drop in blood pressure. A Caesarean section is a complicated abdominal surgery and it can lead to problems with the bladder or bowel, blood loss, infection and a high risk of additional surgeries, including hysterectomy. There is also a longer hospital stay and recovery time to consider.
Additionally, there are risks to the baby during a c-section birth. Many caesarean babies are premature and have breathing problems for the first few days after birth. They typically have lower Apgar scores because they maybe affected by the anesthesia and in some cases babies can be injured during surgery by the incision into the uterine wall or during removal from the uterus.
If you or your baby has been the victim of c section malpractice, you should seek the advice of a qualified malpractice attorney as soon as possible. If you have been injured or made ill by this procedure, you may have a claim against your doctor and you may be eligible for compensation or redress to cover medical expenses, past and future medical care and compensation for pain and suffering and any loss of income.
Some of the complications from a caesarean section malpractice will stay with you for a lifetime, so you should make sure that you receive the outcome you want. A qualified medical malpractice attorney will offer a much higher rate of success and will be able to truly assess your individual case and give you the advice you need.