Cesarean sections, while increasingly common, are major surgeries. In the hands of skilled medical professionals, C-sections are generally safe. However, medical errors during a C-section can have devastating consequences for mothers, transforming a joyous occasion into a source of physical and emotional trauma.
Malpractice during a C-section can encompass a range of missteps, including anesthesia errors, improper surgical technique, or inadequate post-operative monitoring. In this blog, we will discuss the types of injuries mothers may receive during C-sections due to deviations from standard care.
Common C-Section Injuries Sustained by Mothers
Preventable injuries a mother may suffer include:
- Adverse reactions to anesthesia. General anesthesia is typically used during a C-section. While rare, some women may experience allergic reactions to the medication, leading to breathing problems, nausea, or low blood pressure. Communication with your doctor beforehand regarding any allergies or sensitivities to medications can help minimize this risk. However, miscommunications or a failure to get a complete medical history can lead to this issue still occurring.
- Blood clots. C-sections increase the risk of blood clots forming in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) or lungs (pulmonary embolism) due to reduced mobility after surgery. Early ambulation (walking) with assistance and compression stockings can help prevent clots, and medical staff should encourage mothers to move around post-op.
- Infection of the uterine lining. Bacteria can enter the uterus during the procedure, causing inflammation and infection. Symptoms include fever, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, and pelvic pain.
- Surgical site infections. Bacteria can also infect the incision site, causing redness, swelling, and pain. Proper sterile technique during surgery and good wound care practices post-surgery help reduce this risk.
- Postpartum hemorrhage. This is heavy bleeding after childbirth. The uterus may not contract firmly enough to squeeze closed blood vessels, leading to excessive blood loss. Medications to promote uterine contraction and blood transfusions may be required in severe cases.
- Bladder or organ lacerations. The incision made during the C-section can nick the bladder or other organs in the abdominal cavity. Symptoms may include blood in the urine, difficulty urinating, or abdominal pain, and surgery may be needed to repair the laceration.
Take Legal Action
At Belushin Law Firm, P.C., we understand how impactful a birth injury can be on mothers, babies, and families. Should you or a loved one suffer an injury due to someone else’s negligence, our team can discuss your case details and legal options with you. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay us unless we help you win your case.
Call (888) 918-9890 to schedule an initial consultation.