C Section Injuries

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A cesarean section, commonly referred to as a C-section, is a surgical operation employed to deliver a baby. It involves making a cut in the mother's abdomen and uterus. The procedure typically uses regional anesthesia, enabling mothers to remain conscious throughout, but without any sensations of pain or any visibility of the procedure.

Originating as an emergency measure to rescue a fetus when a mother was deceased, C-sections have since become a prevalent mode of delivery. They account for approximately 32% of all live births in the United States annually.

It's important to remember that despite its routine occurrence, a C-section remains a significant surgical procedure and carries inherent risks. The chance of maternal morbidity and mortality is doubled when delivery is through a C-section, in part due to the potential complications of the procedure itself, and in part because the health conditions necessitating a C-section could be life-threatening on their own.

When first recorded in 1965, the national cesarean-section (C-section) birth rate was a mere 4.5 percent. However, we've seen a considerable climb since then, with the rate now accounting for nearly one-third of all live births, as reported by the American Journal of Public Health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention further illustrates this growth, noting a 60 percent increase from 1996 to 2011. Today, about one in every three new mothers in the U.S. gives birth via C-section.

While the rising trend in C-sections has been credited for reducing certain types of birth-related injuries, particularly those involving tools like forceps and vacuums, it has also sparked controversy regarding whether the procedure is carried out more frequently than necessary, thus exposing mothers and babies to undue risk.

At Bellotti Law Group, P.C., our seasoned injury attorneys recognize that while a cesarean section can be a vital life-saving procedure, it also carries potential complications. We understand that the decision to undertake a C-section shouldn't be taken lightly and shouldn't be unnecessarily delayed. The physicians handling these surgeries must be adept, vigilant, and prepared for any complications.

The first modern C-section was performed back in 1881 in Germany. Fast forward to today, and more than 1.3 million babies in the U.S. are born via C-section each year. A C-section involves surgical delivery of a baby through incisions in the mother's abdominal wall and uterus. It serves as an alternative when the mother's or baby's life may be at risk. Some doctors will perform this procedure upon a patient's request, even without a medical necessity.

Although generally deemed safe, C-sections are often associated with higher risks compared to vaginal births. A variety of reasons may prompt a physician to recommend a C-section as the most viable option for a healthy delivery. These include conditions such as fetal distress, stagnant labor, uterine ruptures, umbilical cord prolapse, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, active genital herpes, the baby in a breech position, previous C-sections in the mother, placental issues, multiple births, or the presence of a known birth defect in the baby.

Like any surgical procedure, C-sections can lead to complications. At Bellotti Law Group, P.C., we often encounter issues such as fetal lacerations, respiratory distress in the newborn, anesthesia-related complications, blood clots, maternal hemorrhaging, and infections.

Despite the spotlight on the frequency of unnecessary C-sections, there is significant concern when doctors fail to order or schedule a C-section despite evident signs of its necessity. Not properly monitoring the mother and/or the fetus for distress signs, or delaying a necessary C-section, can lead to severe complications such as lack of oxygen leading to brain damage, cerebral palsy, or autism; risk of physical injuries; and long-term developmental delays.

Physicians should closely monitor expectant mothers and their babies in the weeks leading up to the due date to decide if a scheduled or emergency C-section may be needed. If failure to do so results in injury to the mother or child, it may serve as grounds for medical malpractice litigation, and Bellotti Law Group, P.C. is here to provide the necessary legal assistance throughout Massachusetts.