C-Sections Put Premature Babies At Increased Risk For Birth Trauma
A new birth injury study has revealed that cesarean sections (c-sections) may put small, premature infants at a 30 percent higher risk for breathing problems than those born vaginally. The study to be presented at a meeting of the Society for Maternal-Fetal medicine found that “respiratory distress syndrome,” a condition that affects newborns and can lead to lifelong breathing difficulties and brain damage occurred more frequently in those babies born prematurely by c-sections.
Many physician groups are seeking to curb the rising frequency with which c-sections are performed. Between 2002 and 2009, the percentage of c-section deliveries rose from 27% to 34% of all births.
In many instances, a c-section may be necessary, such as when the infant is in fetal distress and may suffer from a lack of oxygen. The failure of health professionals to act quickly to restore oxygen flow and perform an immediate c-section may constitute medical malpractice in these instances. Alternatively, performing unnecessary c-sections has shown to raise the possibility of birth trauma. The recent birth trauma study looked specifically at pre-term c-sections and noted that while the incidence of brain bleeds, seizure and sepsis remained the same, increases were shown in the areas of respiratory distress.
As stated by a representative from the March of Dimes, "This particular study shows that for infants that are premature and small-for-gestational-age, which tend to be thought of as rather fragile infants, the cesarean delivery doesn't offer any protection from the adverse outcomes."
Further, "For those instances where there is a strong medical indication, either because of the mother's health or the fetus' health, I think it's important that women understand that it's a major surgery and that it can be associated with complications," added the representative.
Many considerations go into each labor and delivery. Even with proper care emergency situations can arise. Medical professionals are relied upon to recognize and resolve these without injury to the baby
There are many instances where an injury during labor or delivery could have been avoided had problems been observed, properly diagnosed and quickly and correctly resolved. While in some instances a c-section is warranted, in others it may unnecessarily put your child in danger and subject him or her to a birth trauma. Mistakes by doctors, nurses or other medical personnel, where they have failed to live up to the accepted standards of their profession, may constitute medical malpractice.
For more information or if you believe your infant child has suffered a birth injury, contact the top California birth injury attorneys at Bostwick & Peterson for a free, confidential consultation.
