The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends doctors give mothers undergoing a C-section antibiotics before the surgery, in order to prevent possible birth-related infections.  Generally, antibiotics are administered after the surgery because it was once believed that the antibiotics could harm the child if given to the mother before delivery.  Now, medical researchers at the ACOG have concluded that data shows newborns are not harmed if mothers take antibiotics while pregnant.

Dr. William H. Barth, chair of the ACOG’s committee on Obstetric Practice, stated, “We’re recommending that all women who undergo cesarean get a preventative course of antibiotics before the surgery starts.  Ideally, this should happen within 60 minutes of surgery”.  Officials at the ACOG say that the recommendation does not extend to pregnant women who are already taking antibiotics for another reason.

Infections are the most common form of complication from C-section deliveries.  Ten to forty percent of women who undergo C-sections will develop an infection.  Only one to three percent of women who deliver vaginally will suffer from birth-related infections.

If you or someone you love has suffered from a C-section-related complication, contact the Philadelphia C-sections attorneys of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. at 215-238-1130 to learn more about your rights.