When a woman checks into a hospital to deliver her baby, the hope is that there will be no complications. But even if all precautions are taken in advance, there is a chance that things may not go as planned in the delivery room. Careful consideration should be given to how a delivery process is to proceed should the unexpected happen. For example, conditions can arise wherein a doctor may choose to conduct a cesarean section.
Caesarean sections are carried out in approximately one-third of the births in the U.S. At present, health officials are working toward reducing the number of caesarean births in this country. However, their efforts have been somewhat stymied by one particular type of patient. It is still very common for a woman who has had a C-section to have the procedure conducted during a subsequent delivery.
There is a concern among public-health officials that mothers who undergo C-sections face the possibility of such risks as blood loss and infection. Among those women who have had the procedure previously, there is an even greater risk of complications.
Many of the women who have had C-sections are undergoing the procedure again even though they are eligible to have what is called a “vaginal birth after a caesarean.” This is because many hospitals are simply not offering the VBAC as an option. According to some experts, this is due to liability and safety issues, as well as insufficient staffing.
If you are planning to have your baby in a hospital, you may want to apprise yourself of the various medical options they provide. Being prepared for all possible contingencies going into the delivery room can make it easier for you to make decisions should the need arise.
But it is the doctors and hospital staff that must be prepared and properly trained to carry out all birthing procedures.
Should you or your newborn come to harm due to negligence on behalf of a doctor or staff member, you may wish to enlist the services of an Arizona malpractice attorney to investigate the incident. Depending on the findings of the investigation, you may want to take legal action to secure compensation.
Source: The Wall Street Journal, “A Type of Childbirth Some Women Will Fight For,” Sumathi Reddy, Dec. 8, 2014