The Dangers of Caesarean Sections

While some mothers plan to have a Caesarean section, or c-section, others must undergo emergency operations. Although the c-section has become much safer, even in the past 100 years, it is still a complicated procedure that can result in injuries to both the mother and her child.

It is difficult to trace the exact history of c-sections because they have been performed since ancient times. In fact, Greek myth claims that Asclepius arrived via a c-section. However, this process was usually used to remove a baby from a mother who died during childbirth. On the other hand, early c-sections often killed mothers who were alive. It wasn’t until the mid 1800s that women began to survive c-sections.

During the 20th century, two types of c-sections have been utilized, although one has become much more popular. In the classic c-section, the cut is made vertically over a woman’s stomach. However, this offered later dangers of uterine rupture during vaginal deliveries.

Now, doctors primarily turn to a Monroe-Kerr style of incision. With this type of c-section, a small, horizontal cut is made near the top of the bikini line. When the uterus is reached, the amniotic fluid is removed so that surgeons have more room to remove the baby. While this lessens the amount of blood loss and risk of infection in the mother, the baby may have to be removed with a vacuum or forceps.

Vacuum- and forceps-assisted delivery poses some threat to the baby. Vacuums can cause lacerations, bruising, hemorrhaging, and nerve damage, among other things. Forceps contribute to the same problems, as well as fractures, spinal injuries, and possible shoulder dislocation.

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Sometimes, doctors have to use forceps or a vacuum to remove a baby during a c-section. However, they should act with care and precision to help protect your baby from injuries. If you or someone you know has had a baby that suffered birth injuries due to a negligent doctor, you should speak to an attorney about possible financial recompense.

For more information regarding birth injury law, contact the Philadelphia birth injury attorneys of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. today by calling 215-238-1130.