Roughly 25% of babies born in the United States come into the world through caesarian section (C-section). The practice is very common and typically used when a natural birth would be too dangerous to the mother and child.
While planned C-sections are more common, some doctors wait too long and perform delayed C-sections. The result can cause trauma to the mother and birth injuries to the child.
The Causes of Delayed C-sections
While many planned C-sections are for the mother’s health, the majority of delayed C-sections are to secure the baby’s health. When a doctor recognizes a problem with the delivery, they must act as quickly as possible to save the baby and reduce the risk of birth injuries.
Every situation is different, but the most common causes of a delayed C-section are when,
· The baby physically cannot fit through the birth canal.
· The baby’s vitals suddenly change
· The baby becomes tangled in the umbilical cord
· Reduction of amniotic fluid
· Labor comes to a halt
In these cases, the doctor’s diagnosis must be fast and accurate. The baby’s life is most vulnerable at this final stage. A delayed C-section could result in severe injuries or permanent disability.
Birth Injuries from Delayed C-Sections
Delayed C-sections pose a significant risk to the baby. Without oxygen, the baby may lose color, suffer permanent brain damage and palsy, or even pass away. When a doctor takes too long to act, a baby’s health and very life are at risk.
Steps After a Delayed C-Section.
There’s nothing worse than having your previously healthy baby suffer a birth injury after a delayed C-section. It is traumatizing and debilitating. It’s difficult to grasp how a common procedure can result in a life-changing injury.
If your baby suffered a birth injury due to a delayed C-section, you might want to file a claim. If you’d like one of our experienced attorneys to evaluate your birth injury claims, please call (404) 800-9166 or send us an email at your earliest convenience.