When is a C-section necessary?

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One of the most efficient ways to prevent harm from occurring in the medical field is to provide quick and accurate care to patients. Oftentimes on this blog we discuss how a failure to diagnose, or a delayed diagnosis, can pose a serious risk to unsuspecting patients. While these situations can leave patients with significant harm and even death, timely and proper action is also needed when a woman is about to give birth. Most commonly, this issue arises when a doctor must make a decision about whether to conduct a C-section.
There are a number of instances during which a doctor should perform a C-section. For example, the operation may be necessary when a placenta previa occurs. This condition occurs when the placenta blocks the cervix. In cases where the blockage is complete, or almost complete, a C-section is usually necessary. Placental abruption may be another reason for a C-section. This condition occurs when the placenta separates from the uterus’s lining. A cesarean section will become necessary if the abruption disallows the baby from receiving the appropriate amount of oxygen.
Conditions with the baby may give rise to the need for a cesarean section, too. For example, a child who is in a breech position may be at risk of suffering from a lack of oxygen, especially if there is a cord prolapse or some other form of distress. Those children who are not removed via C-section quickly enough can suffer brain damage and even death.
Although many doctors are able to identify the need for a C-section and quickly order one when necessary, sometimes they fail to see the signs that should prompt them to take such action. When this failure occurs, birth injuries can be suffered by babies, and mothers can be left seriously harmed. The physical, emotional and financial damages arising from such instances can be enormous. Those who want to learn how to pursue a medical malpractice lawsuit to try to recover compensation and find accountability may want to speak with a qualified legal professional.