Cesarean Section
Over the past several decades, new childbirth procedures and treatments have developed. These technological advances have saved the lives of mother and infants worldwide. Of these practices, the cesarean section has proven to be one of the most important methods to emerge. A cesarean section is a surgical procedure in which the doctor makes an incision in the mother’s abdomen, through the uterus, for the purpose of delivering the baby. Instead of traveling through the birth canal, the infant is instead removed directly through the cut.
Risks Associated with a Cesarean Section
Cesarean sections are typically used as preventative measures in situations where the mother, infant, or both may be put at risk with a traditional delivery. Doctors are encouraged to avoid the unnecessary use of this procedure, however, because it has a large number of risks associated with it. Women who undergo c-sections can develop the following complications:
- Blood clots
- Infection
- Large amount of blood loss
- Poor reactions to anesthesia
- Infant injury
- Infant lung immaturity, if delivered very prematurely
In general, doctors only resort to the use of cesarean sections when the mother or baby has health problems, if the baby is positioned in an unusual manner within the uterus, or if there is not enough room in the birth canal for the baby to pass through. If a doctor delivers the baby through an unnecessary c-section and the mother or child develops complications as a result, then the family may be able to press charges against the negligent physician.
Contact Us
If you would like to learn more about cesarean sections and the risks associated with this type of procedure, contact the Philadelphia medical malpractice lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. today at 215-238-1130.