5 Common Mistakes Doctors Make When Performing C-Sections

Over the past few decades, there has been an unprecedented increase in the number of Caesarean section procedures that doctors perform. According to the World Health Organization, there are several reasons for this spike, and many of them are culture-specific.

For example, in countries that are fairly litigious, like the United States, C-sections may be preferred because they eliminate certain risks that vaginal deliveries pose. Thus, doctors who fear potential lawsuits may be inclined to schedule C-sections for more of their patients; however, like any medical procedure, mistakes can happen, and complications do arise.

At the end of the day, a C-section is a major surgical procedure that has risks of its own for both mother and baby. If you or your child suffered injuries during a C-section and you think a negligent healthcare provider is to blame, turn to The Bowling Christiansen Law Firm.

We understand the physical, financial, and emotional stress that such injuries can place on your entire family. Call (504) 586-5200 to schedule a case evaluation with a compassionate birth injury attorney in New Orleans.

Read on to learn about five common–and preventable–issues that can arise during or after a C-section:

1. Anesthesia Failures

It is no surprise that C-sections are incredibly painful. Although epidural anesthesia can help, it is not foolproof. When doctors fail to administer anesthesia properly, it can be traumatic for the mother, and the stress she experiences can affect her baby and inhibit their bonding from the start.

2. Infections

Every surgical procedure poses the risk of infection, and C-sections are no different. Doctors can reduce the risk of infection by working carefully so as not to lacerate any organs and accounting for every single sponge, tool, and instrument they use. Most infections related to C-sections develop in the womb or at the incision site.

3. Blood Clots

If healthcare providers fail to monitor a woman’s mobility after the procedure, she could develop blood clots. Since getting up and walking around is not at the top of any new mom’s list post-surgery, it’s up to the doctors and nurses to help her out of bed and remove the IV and catheter so she has more freedom of movement.

4. Blood Loss

Women who deliver via C-section will naturally lose more blood than those who delivery vaginally. If doctors do not recognize the earliest signs of a postpartum hemorrhage, though, the mother may require a blood transfusion.

5. Bladder or Bowel Punctures

If surgeons are not careful, they could lacerate a woman’s bladder or bowels when making incisions. Complications of doing so can result in infection, an extended hospitalization, and the need for additional surgery.

If you suffered injuries or illness after undergoing a C-section, turn to The Bowling Christiansen Law Firm to determine if you have grounds for a claim. Our entire team of attorneys and staff is dedicated to providing the legal advice you need, combined with the service and personal attention you deserve.

Contact us online or call (504) 586-5200 to schedule an initial consultation with a birth injury lawyer in New Orleans. You can learn more about birth injury claims in Louisiana by visiting the USAttorneys website.

The Bowling Christiansen Law Firm

1615 Poydras Street, Suite 1050

New Orleans, LA 70112

(504) 586-5200