Houston residents who are expecting a baby generally have an idea of how they want their child’s birth to go, sometimes even having a written birth plan. However, with the number of C-sections drastically climbing, many women are not able to achieve the type of birth they want. Obstetrical complications are rarely known in advance. Parents should go into the birth process being prepared for anything to happen.
C-section births occur in over a third of all births in the United States. This staggering number has grown more than 60% in the last 15 years. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine is calling for doctors and nurses to have more patience during labor, instead of rushing to perform a C-section. Women who have a C-section have a death rate that is almost three times higher than those who deliver vaginally. In addition, the risks to women increase significantly in each subsequent C-section. Babies who are born before their mother has had contracts also may have an increase in respiratory problems because contractions can clear out baby’s lungs. There are situations where a C-section is necessary, including uterine ruptures, but not all obstetrical complications require a C-section.
When complications arise during the delivery process, parents may wonder who is to blame. Their infant is so vulnerable, and, in the whirlwind delivery, it can be hard to determine what went wrong. A legal professional skilled in medical malpractice can help families determine what went wrong and who is to blame. They can investigate the complicated medical event, and help families recover compensation for their medical expenses, pain and suffering and other monetary and non-monetary damages. If an avoidable obstetrical complication occurred families have the right to hold medical professionals accountable for their actions.
Houston residents who are wondering if something went wrong with their infant’s birth may find that consulting with a medical malpractice attorney to be helpful. Holding medical professionals accountable for their actions is important to reducing the likelihood that they will harm another family.
Source: KING 5, “Groups call for safe reduction of C-sections,” Liz Szabo, Feb. 21, 2014
