According to the Centers for Disease Control, last year there were 1,148,692 cesarean section (c-section) births in the U.S., accounting for nearly 32% of all deliveries.
At The Gogel Law Firm, our St. Louis birth injury attorneys know that while thousands of cesarean births are planned and scheduled, some are the result of complications during the delivery.
Unfortunately, many c-sections are often decided in emergency scenarios, which can often lead to multiple complications, endangering both the mother’s and baby’s well-being. Timing is one of the most important elements of a successful c-section. When the physicians, nurses, or delivery support staff do not act quickly, or panic after a delay, it can result in significant injuries to the mother and baby.
If you believe your or your child’s injuries resulted from an untimely c-section, contact our skilled birth injury attorneys to discuss your legal rights and options to hold the healthcare professionals who performed the procedure liable for your complete damages.
Timing is Critical When it Comes to C-Sections
When mothers go into labor, they count on their physicians, nurses, and support staff to provide vital medical care that keeps both her and the baby safe. That means monitoring both the mother and baby’s vital signs and ensuring the labor and delivery go as planned.
If the baby’s heart rate is too fast or too slow, it could indicate that the baby’s brain is not receiving enough oxygen, or there are other signs of distress.
Doctors must identify labor difficulties immediately, so they can act in time to provide a safe solution. Often, that means performing a c-section. If they do not act quickly enough, the baby could suffer short- and long-term health problems, brain damage, or other permanent disabilities.
Other potential reasons why c-sections are performed may include, but are not limited to:
- Abnormal Birth Position
- Cephalopelvic Disproportion
- Placental Complications
- Prolapsed Umbilical Cords
- Prolonged Labor
Failure to perform a timely c-section to respond to these important factors could result in harm to the mother, the baby, or both.
Were You or Your Baby Injured During the Delivery Process? We Can Help.
If you or your baby were injured because of a delayed c-section in Missouri, contact our St. Louis medical malpractice lawyer today to review your case by calling (314) 370-8173 or online to schedule a free consultation.
