Cesarean delivery, known more commonly as C-section, is on the rise in the United States. According to the CDC, C-section surgeries made up as much as 32.7 percent of the deliveries in the United States in 2013. In some cases, cesarean sections may be deemed unnecessary. In C-sections wherein harm is done to the mother or child, and wherein it is deemed that the C-section (or the notable lack of C-section) was due to medical negligence, then the physician may be held liable for medical malpractice. Knowing the facts about C-sections will help you determine if your Cesarean delivery was performed as a result of physician negligence.
When Are Cesarean Deliveries Performed?
C-sections are performed for a number of reasons in the United States. All of these reasons have to do with increased risk to the mother or child. They include:
- Preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a condition that causes high blood pressure starting after around 20 weeks of pregnancy. In cases of severe preeclampsia, a cesarean delivery may be recommended.
- Fetal Distress. A cesarean may be performed when the fetus shows signs of distress, normally as a result of lack of oxygen, during labor.
- Cephalopelvic Disproportion. Also known as CPD, this occurs when the baby's head is too large to fit through the the mother's pelvis.
- Placental Abruption. Placental abruption is a condition that causes the placenta to separate from the lining of the uterus. In some cases this can interrupt flow of oxygen to the baby. When this happens, an emergency cesarean may be performed.
- Placenta Previa. Placenta previa is a condition that causes the placenta to lie low in the uterus. Partial or complete placenta previa is often a justification for a Cesarean section.
- Multiples. Triplets and multiples of higher numbers are often delivered by cesarean section.
- Breech position. If a baby is facing the wrong way during labor, a cesarean section is often the only safe kind of delivery.
Knowing When Medical Malpratice is a Possibility
Cesarean sections that result in injuries to the mother or child, could be the result of medical malpractice. The reverse of this is also true: births wherein a C-section is not performed and injuries are the result could also be the result of medical malpractice. If malpractice did occur during your baby's delivery, you may be entitled to compensation for you or your child's injuries. If you're not sure if your baby's delivery was a case of medical malpractice or not, contact an attorney, like Attorney Carole A Gardiner, today.
