What to Know About Elective C-Section
A cesarean is considered elective if it was planned beforehand, rather than the result of an unsuccessful vaginal delivery. Traditionally, cesareans were performed only in situations that endangered the mother or the fetus. In recent years, however, more and more women are opting for cesareans over vaginal delivery. The reasons for this are many, ranging from fear of pain to serious medical complications from previous deliveries.
As elective cesareans become more common, doctors and researchers are noticing the complications that accompany them. The risks are especially high for babies born before the 39th week of pregnancy. Some of the major risks for the baby include:
- Increased risk of fluid accumulation in the lungs (or “wet lung”)
- Breathing problems
- Severe infections
- Blood sugar control problems
- Higher fetal distress levels during delivery
- Increased likelihood of requiring neonatal intensive care
Despite the risks, more than a third of women who undergo elective cesareans in the United States choose to delivery before the 39 week mark. This is sometimes because the parents want the birth to occur on a particular day, and sometimes because the doctor or hospital schedules the procedure at a time convenient to them.
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If a doctor schedules a cesarean too early out of convenience, he or she may be disregarding what is best for the baby and significantly increases the chances of complications arising. If your baby suffered injury, illness, or complications due to an unnecessarily early cesarean, the Philadelphia birth injury attorneys of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C., may be able to help you fight for the compensation you need. Contact us today at 215-238-1130 to discuss your case.