The rate of C-section births has doubled over the past 20 years and increased by 500% since the 1970s. While the procedure was used in just 6% of births 30 years ago, it is now used in 21% of American births. That raises an interesting question: What does the rising rate of C-sections mean for your family and your baby’s health?
Why the Rise?
C-sections typically aren’t done without reason. One of the most impactful factors in the rise of this procedure is that the obesity rate is increasing and babies are getting larger. When a mother is overweight, the normal risks of pregnancy increase significantly. The doctors must keep a careful watch on the mother’s vitals, especially her blood pressure. Likewise, larger babies are often unable to fit through the birth canal, leaving no option but to perform a C-section.
Because there are so many C-sections, most doctors feel more confident performing surgery than using traditional tool-assisted delivery methods. Forceps and vacuum delivery have fallen by the wayside, reduced to less than 1% of all births. Even labor-inducing drugs, like Pitocin, are used less often now that C-sections contribute to 1-in-5 American births.
Risks of a C-Section
Even under perfect circumstances, a C-section is an invasive and potentially dangerous procedure for both mother and child. Remember that a C-section is surgery, and all surgery has risks. While it’s not easy, it is important to identify and acknowledge some of the most C-section-related severe injuries, which we’ve outlined below.
Risks for the Mother
Uterine Rupture
Bladder Rupture
Infection
Blood Clots
Post-partum hemorrhaging
Risks for the Baby
Lacerations
Difficulty Breathing
Oxygen Deprivation
Often these birth injuries are the result of medical negligence in the delivery room. If you suspect you or your child suffered injuries as a result of a surgeon’s malpractice, you should consult a birth injury attorney immediately.
If you or your baby suffered injuries from a C-section, we are here for you. If you’d like an experienced Albuquerque medical malpractice attorney from James Wood Law to evaluate your case, please send us an email or call (505) 906-6774.