A cesarean section or a C-section is performed to deliver a baby under circumstances where a vaginal delivery is not possible due to various complications. In a C-section procedure, a surgical incision is made in the mother's abdomen and uterus to take the baby out.

A C-section may be scheduled in advance before the mother goes into labor, or may need to be done due to complications while attempting a normal vaginal delivery. The following circumstances describe when a C-section may be required versus a normal delivery:

· The mother has undergone a previous C-section done by a 'classical' vertical uterine incision

· The mother has undergone more than one previous C-section delivery

· Risk of uterine rupture due to previous C-section or any other invasive procedure on the uterus such as surgical removal of fibroids

· The delivery involves the birth of more than one baby

· The presence of macrosomia, a condition where the baby is too large to be delivered vaginally

· When the baby suffers a breech in the birth canal, especially involving multiple babies being born

· Large obstructions such as fibroids that hinder a vaginal delivery

· The presence of an abnormality or malformation in the baby which makes a vaginal birth risky

· The mother is HIV-positive, causing her to have a high viral load towards the end of the pregnancy

C-Section Complications

It is not impossible to perform a normal vaginal delivery after earlier C-section births. This depends on the type of incision that was made and the factors that led to a C-section birth previously.

The following complications may arise during a C-section birth:

Infection

A cesarean section increases the risk of developing an infection by 20 times, unlike a normal vaginal delivery. There could be many reasons for developing an infection, such as a prolonged delivery process, the uterine incision from a previous delivery causing a rupture, and others.

Excessive bleeding

During the time of active labor, 20-30% of the blood pumped by the heart is sent to the uterus. When the uterus is cut open during a C-section, a significant amount of blood loss may occur. Blood is also lost if and when an artery carrying blood to the uterus suffers a rupture.

Bladder injury and urinary infection

During a C-section, a catheter is inserted into the bladder to eradicate its urine content. Within 24 hours following the surgery, the catheter is removed as the mother can regain her mobility. This procedure may raise the risk of bladder injury during surgery.

C-Section Injuries and Medical Malpractice

A C-section could involve malpractice when an act of negligence such as the following is done by the surgical team:

· Delayed C-section

· Improper use of surgical instruments

· Poor uterine incision

· Failure to manage blood loss during a C-section

· Failure to recognize fetal distress, leading to a delay in decision making for a C-section requirement

· Improper management of clots during labor or surgery

· Bladder injury caused by improper insertion of catheter during a C-section

We can Help You

Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff, & Wolff (RMFW) have law offices located in Astoria, Queens, New York City, and two locations in Brooklyn.

If you think you are a medical malpractice victim, call RMFW attorneys for legal aid. You can seek justice and compensation for your pain and suffering. Call 212-344-1000if you want to increase your chances of enlarging your checking account? We know what a winning case looks like and we have the medical experts to bolster your case. You pay us nothing until your case is won.

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