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What Are the Risks of a Delayed C-Section?

A Cesarean section (C-section) is a method of delivering a baby by cutting into a mother’s abdomen and uterus. Many c-sections are planned well in advance, whereas others are emergency procedures in response to a complication that arises during labor and delivery. According to statistics, about 1 in 3 babies are delivered by c-section.

One problem we have seen involves doctors waiting too long to deliver a baby. A delayed C-section can lead to many physical problems and can be a form of medical malpractice. For more information, contact one of our Miami medical malpractice lawyers today.

Why Are C-Sections Delayed?

Many complications warrant an emergency c-section. For example, the fetus might be in distress, or the uterus might have ruptured. Other reasons include prolapse of the umbilical cord, placental abruption, and preeclampsia, which is a dangerous condition for mothers.

Unfortunately, there are many reasons why mothers do not receive a timely C-section:

  • A doctor is negligent in monitoring mother or baby, so he does not recognize signs of fetal distress or other complications.
  • A doctor might notice signs of fetal or maternal distress but attribute the cause to something else. Consequently, the doctor doesn’t believe that an immediate C-section is necessary.
  • The doctor tries other methods to induce delivery even where he or she realizes there is a complication. These actions can delay the C-section, if one is ultimately performed.
  • The hospital does not have a room to perform a C-section so the mother must wait.

Many delays are traceable to some error made by a doctor or other medical professional, who did not provide necessary care. These delays often constitute medical malpractice.

Injuries as a Result of a Delayed C-Section

Babies and mothers can suffer many serious injuries when not delivered in a timely fashion. For example:

  • Permanent brain injury to the baby. A baby might lack necessary oxygen due to some complication. When oxygen does not get to the brain, the child can suffer a permanent brain injury. Some are slow to show up, and parents might only become aware when the child grows older but experiences developmental disabilities.
  • Complications for the mother. Some mothers experience increased blood pressure and possibly stroke if a baby is not quickly delivered.
  • Death. If the emergency is life-threatening, then any delay could cause a baby or mother to die.

If you suspect that a delayed C-section is to blame for an injury, please contact our law firm today.

Holding Negligent Doctors Accountable

Doctors dislike admitting they have made a mistake in judgment or were careless in any way. Nevertheless, medical errors occur all the time in our hospitals, leaving injured victims to pick up the pieces.

Please contact a Miami medical malpractice attorney at Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein today. We offer a free consultation to those who call 305-371-2692.