Emergency C-Sections & Birth Trauma

While planned cesarean deliveries have become more common in recent years, there are some cases where a mother-to-be intends to have a natural delivery, but ends up needing to have a C-section instead. Sometimes, a doctor may detect a situation that would make a natural delivery too risky, such as if the baby is in a breech or transverse position, placenta previa has occurred, or the baby is too large. In other cases, there can be a complication that comes up during delivery that makes a C-section necessary. Even if an expectant mother has had a healthy and uncomplicated pregnancy with no reason to expect a difficult delivery, there’s still a chance that complications could come up. 

When Could an Emergency C-Section Be Necessary?

There are multiple situations that could arise that end up losing oxygen or going into distress. Issues with the umbilical cord are one common reason that an emergency C-section may be needed, such as if the cord has become compressed or the cord has become prolapsed. With these complications, emergency C-sections may be needed because of the risk of oxygen loss. 

Uterine ruptures and insufficient placenta are other types of complications that can require a C-section because they can impact the baby’s ability to get oxygen. An emergency C-section may also be needed if labor has stalled out and become prolonged or if doctors are seeing other signs that the baby has gone into distress so that the baby can be delivered as quickly as possible.

Risks of Delayed C-Sections

If a patient is in a situation where an emergency C-section is recommended, it’s extremely important for doctors to act quickly. So many of the reasons that make an emergency C-section necessary are because the baby could be losing oxygen and the longer those situations exist, the more serious the injuries could be. A lack of oxygen can potentially result in injuries like HIE, other brain injuries, and injuries to other organs in the body. 

Contact a Michigan Birth Trauma Lawyer

If you have reason to believe your child may have been injured around the time of birth, don’t hesitate to contact a birth trauma lawyer. Very often, birth injuries are the result of medical malpractice and it’s important to speak to someone who understands how the law applies to your unique situation. Even if your child is a few years old and you’re starting to see that developmental milestones are being missed, you may still have legal options. 

At Goodwin & Scieszka, you’ll be able to speak to a lawyer experienced in handling both birth trauma and medical malpractice cases in the state of Michigan. Contact us today to find out how we can help you and your family.

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