The Risks Involved with Repeated Child Birth C-Sections

Every day, babies all over this country are delivered via C-section, and they are happy, healthy and safe. The procedure isn’t easy on the mother – it is major surgery, after all – but most C-sections go off without a hitch.

That does not mean, however, that there are no risks to the procedure. A delayed C-section can lead to a birth injury. A mistake made during the surgery can cause permanent damage to mother or child. Doctors have a duty to warn expecting mothers of these risks – including the risks that come with multiple procedures.

A recent piece in Romper analyzed what those risks are, based on information form the Mayo Clinic. According to their findings:

These risks [associated with C-sections] do continue to increase with the number of children born, but the degree to which the risk increases isn’t as significant as you might think. According to the Mayo Clinic, while “each repeat C-section is generally more complicated than the last,” even if you plan to try a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) you may still end up having another C-section.

Common C-section dangers

Mothers who undergo multiple C-sections may suffer:

• Scar tissue. Scar-tissues, called adhesions, can develop on the uterus or other organs. Scarring is typical after each abdominal surgery. If a woman has had prior C-sections, the scarring from the prior births can complicate the new C-section delivery. Scarring may even cause infertility or death. Scarring can also result in an obstruction of the bowel.
• Injuries to the bowel and bladder. The likelihood of a bladder injury increases with repeated C-sections because adhesions bind the bladder to the uterus.
• Heavy bleeding. Repeated Caesareans increase the risk of heavy bleeding which may require a hysterectomy. Heavy bleeding can be life-threatening. A blood transfusion may also be required. According to the Mayo clinic, the need for a hysterectomy after a C-section increases from .65 percent after the first surgery to 2.41 after the fourth C-section.
• Placenta risks. With repeated Caesareans, the placenta may implant too deeply into the wall of the uterus. It may also partially or completely cover the cervix opening. The risk from the 1^st to 4^th Caesarean increases from .24 percent to 2.13 percent.

There is also a risk, no matter what type of surgical procedure you have, of developing an infection.

Liability for labor and delivery negligence

While there’s no precise way to know what will happen to the mother and child with each delivery, certain types of errors could make a doctor or hospital liable for malpractice:

• Failure to advise the mother about the risks of C-sections and repeated C-sections
• Failure to treat the mother and child properly after a C-section procedure
• Failure to properly consider a C-section if the life or health of a mother or child is in danger during a vaginal delivery
• Failure to avoid the transmission of infections
• Negligent delivery, leading to additional physical injuries of the mother or child

Other concerns with C-sections and vaginal deliveries include uterine prolapse, urinary incontinence, and chronic pain. If these injuries are caused by the actions of the delivery team, you may be able to make a claim for damages.

Please contact Paulson & Nace, PLLC through this contact form or by calling 202-463-1999.