When it comes to giving birth, most women would like to deliver their baby vaginally. However, there are instances when a vaginal delivery is either not possible or not safe for the mother or the baby. In this blog, we discuss pregnancy and cesarean sections in more detail.
What Is a Cesarean Section?
Commonly known as a “C-section,” a cesarean section is a surgical procedure in which an incision is made into the mother’s abdomen. The uterus is then entered through the abdominal incision and the baby is delivered through the incision.
Why Do Doctors Recommend C-Sections?
There are numerous reasons why your healthcare provider might recommend a cesarean section before you go into labor. The most common reason is because the mother has had previous uterine surgery, such as a surgery to remove fibroids or even a previous cesarean section. Previous surgery causes scar tissue to form at the site of the incision into the muscle fibers of the uterus. Scar tissue is not as strong as muscle fiber, and because of this, the uterus might rupture at the site of the scar with labor contractions or at the time of delivery, which can result in catastrophic consequences for the mother and/or baby.
Other reasons your healthcare provider might recommend a cesarean section without laboring first include:
- The baby that is too large to fit safely through the birth canal
- The maternal pelvis that is too small for the baby to pass through safely
- Unfavorable birth position, such as breech or shoulder presentation
- The condition of the mother makes labor too dangerous for her
For women who are in labor, there are many situations that can arise in the delivery room that might require a cesarean delivery. These reasons usually are not apparent prior to labor and often develop during labor and/or delivery. Your healthcare provider should discuss the need for a cesarean section with you if the need to perform a cesarean section is not urgent.
The most urgent reason for a cesarean section to occur, with or without labor, is a baby in distress. In this situation, there is no time to wait for a vaginal delivery to occur. Distress can occur for many reasons. Most importantly, your healthcare provider should be trained and have the skills and knowledge to know when your baby is in distress and should possess the ability to deliver your baby quickly and safely.
Time is crucial when a baby is in distress. Therefore, it is important for every hospital that has a labor and delivery unit has the capabilities to perform an emergency cesarean section 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Anesthesia, pediatrics, and nurses trained to handle emergencies must be readily available every day at every hour.
Please have a discussion with your healthcare provider regarding the services available at the hospital where you plan to deliver your baby. This discussion should include whether pediatric, neonatal, obstetrical, and anesthesia staff stays in the hospital at all times or if they are called in from home when an emergency occurs. It is much safer for the mother and baby to have these individuals in place before an emergency occurs.
Talk to a Maryland Birth Injury Lawyer Today
If you or someone you know has suffered a birth-related injury, you should get in touch with our law firm to discuss your rights under the law. Depending on the details of your case, you might be entitled to financial compensation for your injury. Our skilled legal team is here to assist you and guide you through every aspect of the legal process. Let us get work for you today.
Call (410) 220-6581 to schedule your free consultation with one of our birth injury attorneys in Maryland.