Declining Cesarean Section Rates May Be Causing an Increase in Birth Injuries
A recently published news article has reported on the interesting assertion that a decline in the rate of births that are performed by cesarean section has resulted in an increase in the number of birth injuries suffered by both mothers and newborn babies. According to the report, primary reasons for the decline in the rate of cesarean births are the lack of education and options that women are afforded before giving birth, as well as a recent trend in the medical profession to encourage natural births in spite of the associated dangers.
The article and findings suggest that doctors and hospitals may be legally responsible for injuries suffered as the result of a poorly advised or insufficiently informed woman’s decision to have a natural birth.
Many Women Are Not Made Aware of the Risks of a Natural Birth
The article, which is based on the findings of a study presented at an international medical convention, mentions the surprisingly high rates of injury that result from vaginal births. According to sources quoted in the report, as many as 75% of first-time mothers suffer an injury during a vaginal birth, with between 20% and 30% of them suffering severe and often permanent damage. The physical injuries often result in long term urinary and fecal incontinence, and they also may be accompanied by major psychological symptoms, including depression, anxiety, flashbacks, and the inability to have a functional sex life, which may continue for years after the traumatic birth. Many women who suffered these injuries and were surveyed for the study told researchers that they weren’t made aware of these risks, or weren’t even offered the choice to have a cesarean section if doctors did not deem it “medically necessary.”
The Increase in Vaginal Births Is Hurting Babies Too
In addition to the risk of injury to mothers that is posed by the uptick in natural births, newborns are being injured at increased rates as well. According to the article, the reduction in caesarean births has resulted in a tolerance for longer births and the increased use of forceps during delivery, which can both result in more birth injuries to babies.
The use of forceps during birth can increase the risk of shoulder dystocia and other birth injuries that can be harmful or fatal to the baby. Expecting mothers should be given accurate information on the physical and psychological risks of a natural birth, both to themselves and to their babies. Doctors should give sound medical advice that allows women to make an informed decision on the type of birth to have. When doctors and hospitals do not allow mothers to make an informed decision to have a natural birth, and birth injuries result, the medical providers may be accountable for the damages related to the injuries. Victims of negligence that results in a birth injury should consult an attorney to file a medical malpractice lawsuit and seek compensation.
Have You Been a Victim of Medical Malpractice?
If you or your child has suffered a birth injury because of medical negligence, the dedicated birth injury attorneys at Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman can help you and your loved ones seek the compensation that you deserve. The malpractice lawyers at Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman have the skill and experience that is needed to successfully try complicated birth injury cases, and our clients have received substantial awards and settlements as a result. If you think you may have a claim, contact the birth injury lawyers at Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman today. Call us at 410-998-3600 or contact us through our website to schedule a risk-free consultation.
