Having a baby is a special time in a woman’s life. Sometimes, things don’t work as they should or as intended, and a medical intervention becomes necessary. A Cesarean Section procedure, commonly known as a C-section, is considered to be safe, but does include some additional risk.A birth injury due to a C-section can be devastating to a mother, and to a family. If a baby’s injuries are due to medical malpractice involving a C-section, the baby may face a lifetime of medical treatment and support. If the injuries are a direct result of medical negligence, a medical malpractice attorney can help you prove negligence and recover damages so that you can provide the care your baby needs.
Why Choose A C-Section?
Some women choose a C-section birth for a planned delivery, but it’s not advised for a first pregnancy. This could lead to additional C-sections for subsequent births.More often, an emergency C-section is usually performed when labor stalls, when there is a potential problem with a normal delivery, a baby is in distress during birth, is too big for normal delivery, has a prolapsed umbilical cord or is in an abnormal position. A C-section may also be recommended if there are multiple babies.However, a doctor may recommend a C-section without a good reason, needlessly exposing the mother and baby to unnecessary risk.
When A C-Section Is Necessary
When it becomes obvious that a woman in labor needs medical intervention, an emergency C-section must be performed within 30 minutes of “detectable stress” to either the baby or the mother to prevent trauma.Monitoring of both the mother’s and baby’s heart rate patterns help the medical team detect fetal distress or fetal hypoxia. That is, the baby is not receiving enough oxygen, and needs to get out immediately to prevent birth injuries such as:
- Cerebral palsy
- Metabolic acidosis
- Tissue Hypoxia
- Organ failure
- Brain damage
- Autism
- Death
The benefits of an emergency C-section usually outweigh the risks. But a doctor or medical professional who fail to recognize the urgent need for a C-section may also be committing medical malpractice. That’s where we come in.
The Risks Of A C-Section
While there are solid medical reasons for moving on to a C-section, they are riskier and more expensive than standard birth procedures. A doctor who recommends a C-section without a legitimate medical concern could be committing malpractice, something a Kansas City malpractice attorney can determine.What problems you could experience from a C-section?
- Increased bleeding, possibly requiring a transfusion
- Infections
- Blood clots
- Anesthesia or other medication reactions
- Injury to your bladder, bowels or other internal organs
Possible risks to the baby may include:
- Injuries during the surgery, such as cuts
- Breathing problems, called transient tachypnea, where the baby breathes very fast for its first few days
- Brain damage due to lack of oxygen
Excess pressure from surgical instruments can also cause:
- Nerve damage
- Bone fractures
- Bleeding
- Disfigurement
- Paralysis
These injuries can cause lifelong problems for the baby, including brain damage and other disabilities. Your baby deserves the best care you can offer. If you’re facing medical expenses due to a disabling C-section birth injury, a Kansas City birth injury and medical malpractice attorney can help you recover compensation to take care of your child.
KC’s Oldest Medical Malpractice Firm
The Popham Law Firm represents people who have been victims of medical malpractice. We have attorneys that specialize in this very complicated and technical field of law. If you or your baby suffered injuries as a result of a C-section, contact us at (844) 243-2288 or use our online contact form to schedule your appointment. We can help you collect the damages you need for this very painful case.
