Delayed C-Section – Failure to Respond to Fetal Distress
About the Investigation:
Cesarean section (c-section) is surgical delivery of a baby through the mother’s abdomen when vaginal delivery becomes impossible or dangerous to mother or baby. Historically, a c-section was used only as a last resort to save a baby. These days, they are becoming more and more commonplace, with many doctors and women choosing to schedule a cesarean section long in advance of the birth. This is done in instances when the mother has a known condition that can make a vaginal delivery risky, such as when the mother has high blood pressure or a heart condition. In fact, almost 1/3 of all births in the United States are cesarean sections now – in spite of the fact that a cesarean section entails a more difficult recovery than a normal vaginal birth, and involves more risks.
What Are Some Reasons Doctors Perform Cesarean Sections?
In addition to planned cesarean sections mentioned above, there are many reasons for emergency cesarean sections, including:
• A baby in distress
• Labor that stops progressing
• An umbilical cord wrapped around the baby’s neck
• Problems with the placenta
• A baby that is too large to safely deliver
• A baby in the wrong position for a vaginal delivery
In any of the above emergency instances, a c-section should be determined necessary sooner than later. If a necessary c-section is delayed for any reason, it can cause harm to the unborn baby.
Risks of Delayed Cesarean Section Include:
• HIE and cerebral palsy
• lacerations to the baby
• Injuries to baby’s neck and shoulders (brachial plexus)
• prolapsed umbilical cord
• breathing problems in baby
• fetal stroke or seizures
• developmental delays
How Can A Lawyer Help?
If your baby suffered injury or complications due to a delayed cesarean section birth that was medically necessary, please fill out the form on this page to have an experienced medical malpractice attorney determine whether you have a case. At Siri & Glimstad, there is never any cost upfront to you for our representation. Our attorneys will evaluate your case for free to see if you have a claim. We get paid only if we win for you.
