Cesarean Section (C-Section)

A cesarean section, also known as a c-section or abdominal delivery, is a surgical procedure to deliver a baby.  Oversimplified, a transverse (horizontal)  incision is made in a pregnant mother's abdomen just above the pubic hairline and, following dissection of the abdominal muscles, an incision is then made into the uterus so that the baby (or babies) can be removed.

In the United States, 1 out of every 4 babies is born by c-section.  A cesarean section is indicated when a vaginal delivery poses an unreasonable risk of harm to mother or baby, such as:

• prolonged labor;
• fetal distress, e.g., fetal tachycardia or prolonged decels;
• umbilical cord prolapse;
• twin gestation;
  
• uterine rupture;
• placental abruption;
• large baby (macrosomia);
• abnormal presentation, e.g., breech birth, asynclitism;
• inadequate pelvis;
• prior shoulder dystocia;
  
• pre-eclampsia; and
  
• prior c-section, e.g., vaginal birth after cesarean section (VBAC).

There are risks associated with cesarean delivery, although low.  Mortality for cesarean sections is 20 out of every 1,000,000 deliveries, as compared to 6 out of every 1,000,000 for vaginal deliveries.  There are other risks with a c-section, including abdominal adhesions, hernias and infections.  In many instances, the remote risks associated with a c-section far outweigh the near absolute potential for harm to a fetus that is not progressing and is suffering from hypoxia or ischemia and acidosis, including hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN), periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), and cerebral palsy.  A c-section may also decrease the risk of a traction or torque injury, such as Erb's palsy or Klumpke's paralysis.

One of the duties of an OBGYN, midwife and/or labor and delivery nurse is to determine or ensure that a c-section is performed when medically necessary.

The trial lawyers at Bottar Law, PLLC, have decades of experience investigating, prosecuting and trying to verdict medical malpractice and birth injury cases, including the failure to quickly perform a c-section.  If you or your baby have been injured due to medical malpractice, you, your child and your family may be entitled to compensation for lifelong health care, medical expenses, special education, medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering. 

To discuss your case or concerns with an experienced Central New York medical malpractice and birth injury attorney, contact us now at (315) 422-3466, (800) 336-LAWS, or by e-mail at info@bottarleone.com.