This month, the Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology published new guidelines meant to prevent more women from having cesarean births (c-sections). After a recent study declared that one in three women in the United States deliver by c-section, cesarean birth prevention became a key issue for discussion.
According to Dr. Brian Mercer, Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at MetroHealth Medical Center, c-sections cause a host of problems for the mother and shouldn’t be performed unless absolutely necessary.
Guidelines seeking to lower the c-section rate may increase the risk of childbirth injuries.
Some of the guidelines encourage actions to be taken during the birth process that are known to put mother and child at risk. For example, the guidelines suggest doctors prolong natural childbirth attempts, forcing mothers to push longer, putting unnecessary strain on both the mother and the child. A number of birth injuries can be caused by stalled labor and/or bodily strain.
Another guideline designed to lessen the need for c-sections suggests using techniques/tools to assist with vaginal delivery, including the use of forceps or vacuum extractors. The misuse or inappropriate use of these delivery tools can result in birth injuries affecting the nerves and muscles of the child, as well as causing injury to the brain.
Failure to perform a c-section when necessary puts mothers and their babies at risk of the following childbirth injuries:
- Brain Injury
- Cerebral Palsy
- Erb’s Palsy
- Brachial Plexus
- Shoulder Dystocia
- Eclampsia
- Lack of Oxygen
- Uterine Rupture
Under some circumstances c-sections are mandatory, but generally, they are within the discretion of the doctor. With these new guidelines in place, doctors may become hesitant to perform c-sections. However, there must be a balance between the rules and the best interests of the mother and child. If any of the following warning signs exist, the doctor must perform an emergency c-section to avoid any and all childbirth injuries:
- Stalled Labor
- Fetal Distress
- Cord Prolapse
- Uterine Rupture
- Eclampsia
- Heart Rate Problems in Infant
- Placenta Issues (Breech Baby)
- Gestational Diabetes (Large Baby)
If your child was injured during childbirth because a doctor failed to perform a necessary c-section, you have to call me right away at 1 (800) 556-4769.
As your birth injury lawyer, I’ll be there for you, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®
Author: Tim Misny | For 33 years, personal injury lawyer Tim Misny has represented the injured victim in birth injury, medical malpractice, and catastrophic injury/wrongful death cases, serving “Cleveland, Akron/Canton, Columbus & Cincinnati, Ohio.” You can reach Tim by email at tmisny@misnylaw.com or call at 1 (800) 556-4769.
