Can Medical Errors During Cesareans Cause Birth Injuries?

It is sometimes crucial for an obstetrician to make the decision for a cesarean section delivery during childbirth. The doctor could reach this determination before the mother even goes into labor because of certain risk factors that would be involved. Alternatively, they may decide that a C-section is necessary after they have spotted potential complications that could injure the mother or the child. A C-section is a surgery, and both the mother’s and child’s health and lives are at stake. If the doctor makes a mistake, it could endanger both, and it could cause lasting birth injuries that can change the course of the infant’s life.

The Dangers of a Cesarean Section Surgery

Both a mother and child face their own dangers during a C-section procedure. From the mother’s perspective, the doctor is making an incision to deliver the baby. The mother can be at risk of excessive bleeding and damage to internal organs. These dangers can place the mother’s life at risk, and they can impact future pregnancies. From the baby’s standpoint, they are experiencing a higher level of trauma that could lead to immediate and future health risks.

What Errors Can a Doctor Make During a C-Section Surgery?

Besides mistakes from unreasonably delaying a cesarean surgery, the doctor may also make errors during the procedure itself. These errors can include:

• Making an incision in the wrong place, which can harm the baby and damage the mother’s internal organs
• Failure to monitor the mother’s and child’s condition during the procedure
• Improperly administering anesthesia during the surgery
• Not identifying fetal distress
• Failure to properly control the mother’s bleeding
• Causing lacerations to the baby during the procedure
• Causing a uterine rupture, which cuts off oxygen flow to the baby

What Are the Effects of C-Section Mistakes on the Baby?

The infant may suffer a number of injuries from cesarean section errors that could result in lasting damage. When the oxygen to the baby is cut off for any amount of time, they could suffer a fetal stroke, which can lead to brain damage. If the doctor improperly performs the C-section procedure, it could result in trauma to the head that could lead to cerebral palsy. Careless incisions and handling of the baby could also cause injuries such as hematomas and Erb’s palsy.

What Are the Effects of C-Section Negligence on the Mother?

Uterine rupture is one of the most common injuries from C-section negligence. Here, the mother may experience excessive bleeding that could cause a heart attack or brain damage. She may not be able to carry a baby again in the future. Intestinal and bowel ruptures are rare injuries that result from a negligent incision. The doctor may also not properly manage the risks of post-surgical infection, which could cause severe complications.

How Do I Know If a Doctor Was Negligent During a C-Section?

Childbirth is a very fluid situation that requires an obstetrician to often think very quickly. While a mother or child may be injured during childbirth, it is not always immediately apparent that it was the fault of the doctor. You will need to investigate the circumstances of the injury to prove that a medical professional was negligent. Here, you are comparing what the doctor did to what a reasonable medical professional would have done under the circumstances. If you can prove that the doctor did or did not do something that a reasonable medical professional would have done, you may be able to prove negligence. Then, you could be entitled to substantial financial compensation for injuries to the mother or child during a cesarean section.

Contact the Belleville Birth Injury Lawyers at The Cates Law Firm for Help with Your Case

If you believe that a medical professional was negligent during the childbirth process, reach out to the Belleville birth injury lawyers at The Cates Law Firm. Our lawyers can investigate what happened and potentially file a medical malpractice lawsuit on your behalf. To schedule a free initial consultation with a birth injury lawyer, call us today at 618-277-3644 or contact us online. Our office is located in Swansea, Illinois, and we proudly serve clients in St. Louis, Belleville, East St. Louis, Edwardsville, Granite City, Waterloo, Chester, Carbondale, St. Clair County, Madison County, Monroe County, Randolph County, and other regions throughout Southern Illinois.