Medical Malpractice and Delayed C-Section
According to numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1.2 million births in 2017 were via cesarean delivery, or C-section. That was roughly 32 percent of all births that year. Given how frequently C-sections are performed, there is a risk that the common procedure may be performed incorrectly. This can have serious consequences for mothers and their children.
The Oklahoma City, OK medical malpractice attorneys of Tawwater Law Firm would like to consider the dangers of C-section delays and mistakes. If you or a loved one has experienced an unacceptable C-section error, our lawyers are here to listen.
Why C-Sections Are So Crucial
Difficult births can claim the lives of mothers as well as children. Performing a C-section at the right time could literally save a mother and child’s life. A properly performed C-section can also help prevent birth injuries that could harm a child’s growth and development.
When a vaginal birth is no longer viable and the indications of health issues are there, a C-section should be performed without hesitation.
Reasons Why a C-Section May Be Necessary
There are numerous reasons why a C-section may be performed. Some common reasons that our Oklahoma City attorneys have noted in cases include:
- Lengthy or Difficult Labor - Spending hours and hours in the delivery room without progress is an indication that a C-section is the best option for the mother and child.
- Fetal Distress - If the team in the delivery room notices that a baby’s heart rate is dropping during the childbirth process, it could indicate oxygen deprivation or other issues that could be remedied with a C-section.
- Placenta Previa - When the placenta is low in the uterus, it can block a newborn's route to delivery. A C-section ensures a baby can be born when the birth canal is obstructed.
- Uterine Rupture - During some childbirths, a mother’s uterus may tear. A C-section makes sure the baby is born and the mother's uterus rupture can receive the attention it needs.
- Cord Prolapse - On some occasions, the umbilical cord leaves the birth canal before the baby does, which can cause oxygen deprivation. A C-section helps ensure the baby can breathe as soon as possible.
How Long Should a C-Section Take?
C-sections are often performed quickly and urgently once there are warning signs of a difficult birth or a baby in distress. A C-section should be completed within 30 minutes once it is recommended.
What Happens If a C-Section Is Delayed or Takes Too Long?
When a C-section is delayed, it could result in a number of health issues for the child and the mother. Oxygen deprivation of the child is especially crucial to note. Oxygen-related brain injuries during birth can cause children to experience mental and physical disabilities that could have been avoided. For mothers, severe blood loss and other medical problems may occur and not be dealt with when C-sections are delayed, putting their lives at risk.
The team at our Oklahoma City law firm believes that doctors and medical care teams in delivery rooms must act quickly and responsibly. A family’s current and future well-being needs to be taken into account.
Contact Our Medical Malpractice Attorneys
For more information about your legal options when doctors make critical mistakes, be sure to contact a skilled medical malpractice lawyer. The team at Tawwater Law Firm is here to help. You can reach us by phone at (405) 607-1400.