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Expecting parents have the right to choose how they would like to approach childbirth. When the day actually comes, however, plans may go out the window due to various complications. If these complications threaten the health of the child or parent, the doctor may order an emergency C-section to be performed immediately.
For many parents, a timely emergency C-section can ensure the safe delivery of their baby, as well as prevent injury to their own body. Therefore, the importance of a timely emergency C-section cannot be stressed enough.
What Is an Emergency C-Section?
Emergency C-sections may prove medically necessary for any expecting parent, regardless of whether they are planning for a vaginal delivery or a scheduled C-section. This is because emergency C-sections are done to address an emergency situation, such as:
- Fetal distress
- Uterine rupture
- Tangled umbilical cord
- Prolonged or stalled labor
- Infection, such as in the case of a sudden herpes outburst
Please note that emergency C-sections are not to be confused with unplanned C-sections. An unplanned C-section is when the doctor recommends a C-section before delivery because they believe it to be the safest option available. The difference is, there is no pressing emergency when a doctor recommends an unplanned C-section.
How Long Does an Emergency C-Section Take?
According to medical industry standards, an emergency C-section should be commenced within 30 minutes of when the doctor determines that one is needed. The entire procedure may take about an hour. Then, after birth, the parent may need to stay in the hospital for two to four days. This timeline may vary.
When a Doctor Fails to Order an Emergency C-Section
So what exactly happens when a doctor fails to identify and address a serious complication, such as fetal distress? What if they delay an emergency C-section for too long? Or what if they fail to order one at all?
Sadly, delaying or failing to order an emergency C-section will likely lead to serious, long-lasting injuries to the child and/or parent.
For example, the parent may suffer:
- Internal organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Bowel/bladder injuries
- Infections
- Blood clots
The baby is likely to suffer:
- Oxygen deprivation/asphyxiation
- Head and brain trauma
- Spinal cord injuries
- Brachial plexus injuries
- Facial injuries
In the absolute worst cases, death may result.
Fighting for Injured Families in North Carolina
If you, your spouse, or your child suffered preventable injuries because a doctor failed to order or perform an emergency C-section, you may have the right to sue. At Lanier Law Group, P.A., we are always deeply saddened to hear of birth injuries, which is why we do everything we can to hold negligent health care providers accountable.
Our award-winning team of birth injury attorneys represents families harmed by a range of C-section errors and other birth injuries that occur as a result of medical negligence. If your baby suffered birth injuries such as Cerebral Palsy, Oxygen Deprivation, or Facial Paralysis from a complicated C-section or delivery, we would welcome the opportunity to help you determine whether your baby’s birth injury occurred as a result of negligence. We continue to support victims of medical negligence, both through our compassionate counsel and tireless advocacy. Since 1997, we have helped countless families maximize their compensation and find peace of mind.
Contact Lanier Law Group, P.A. online or reach us by phone at (855) 757-4204 to book your free consultation.