The Importance of Deciding When a Cesarean Section is Required to Prevent Birth Injuries

Childbirth is usually a normal process that results in a healthy baby and mother. There are times, however, when a Cesarean section is required to protect the health of the baby and the mother. Since every case is different, it can be challenging to know in every circumstance whether performing a C-section was required and if performing one might have prevented a birth injury.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) reports that there was a surge in C-section rates in 2011, when approximately one in three women in the U.S. gave birth by Cesarean. There was no clear evidence of why cesarean delivery was overused, but there was a movement toward a safe reduction in the rate of primary Cesarean deliveries.

Obstetricians must balance the risks and benefits of cesarean and vaginal births and choose which would be the safest route to delivering a healthy baby. For some conditions such as placenta previa or uterine rupture, a C-section is the safest route, but in low-risk pregnancies, cesarean deliveries may pose a greater risk to maternal morbidity and mortality than a vaginal delivery. (ACOG)

The importance of fetal heart monitoring

An electronic fetal heart monitor is used in labor and delivery departments to track the baby’s heart rate while the mother is in labor. As labor progresses, doctors and nurses will check the monitor, make sure that the baby’s heart rate is steady, and watch for signs of fetal distress. If the baby’s heart rate drops, this is a sign of fetal distress. Also, a baby that has been active and then suddenly goes quiet might be suffering from fetal distress.

When a woman chooses to deliver vaginally, her labor can continue if it is safe for baby and mother. When signs of fetal distress become apparent, the doctor will have a conversation with the mother about the need for the baby to be delivered more urgently through a C-section procedure.

Possible indications that a Caesarean section might be necessary:

• Breach or transverse presentation
• Cephalopelvic disproportion (baby’s head is too large to be delivered vaginally)
• Multiple pregnancy
• Pelvic cysts
• Preeclampsia
• Placenta previa
• Placental abruption
• Hypertension
• Infection

Medical malpractice for birth trauma or injury after a Cesarean section

A Cesarean section may be required in many different situations when it becomes clear that a vaginal birth would not be possible. Doctors must make complicated decisions quickly and then act on them to save the life of the baby and the mother.  A delay in performing a C-section can cause additional complications to the mother and baby which can result in birth injuries. If an OB/GYN decides too late that a C-section is required, that OB/GYN may be acting negligently, and their failure to identify the need for a C-section earlier and performing it could be grounds for a birth injury claim.

At Bailey & Greer, PLLC, our skilled birth injury attorneys are here to provide support and legal advice you can trust. We serve clients throughout Tennessee and have offices in Memphis and Jackson. You are welcome to call us today at 901-680-9777 or complete our contact form to schedule a consultation.