When a woman enters the hospital to deliver her baby, it’s a good bet she doesn’t go in with the intention of having major surgery. Even so, about 30 percent of babies born in American hospitals are delivered via Cesarean section – more than any country in the world. The World Health Organization recommends a C-section rate of just 15 percent. Because there are so many variables in a vaginal delivery, the risk of birth injury is higher. Attorneys in malpractice cases involving infant delivery often focus on the timing of doctors’ decisions and whether problems during labor could have been avoided. Even so, expectant mothers in Philadelphia should educate themselves about their options in the delivery room.
When it comes to the due date – especially if the child isn’t their first – many women elect to have their labor induced. The drug typically prescribed to induce contractions is a synthetic hormone that requires careful monitoring of the fetus. Women undergoing intense contractions frequently ask for an epidural, which numbs the lower half of the body but can also affect the speed of labor. A combination of factors affects the medical staff’s decision to recommend a C-section, but the potential for fetal distress goes up when labor is prolonged.
Another factor involved in the C-section decision is the position of the fetus. Although it is possible for a skilled practitioner to shift the infant in utero, many doctors are reluctant to take this step because of the increased risk of injury to the baby. Attorneys recognize that these risks are also increased if the medical intervention requires the use of instruments or suction during the birth. With a Cesarean section, the medical team has complete control over the delivery, greatly reducing the possibility of a high-risk vaginal delivery or ongoing complications for both mother and child.
There are other reasons for recommending C-sections, including the mother’s age and the methods of previous deliveries. The older a woman is, the higher her risk of a complicated delivery. A vaginal delivery for a woman who has previously had only C-sections also carries a higher risk of birth injury for both herself and her infant.
Philadelphia mothers who are inclined towards a natural delivery often seek out the services of a doula or a midwife. Home births are gaining in popularity, but women should always be prepared to move to a Philadelphia-area hospital if any problems arise. The birth of her child should be a joyful occasion, and a trained medical staff can prevent injuries, which sometimes means resorting to C-section. In the end, surgery may be preferable to a tragic situation involving attorneys, settlements, and – inevitably – unnecessary grief.
Birth Injury Attorney Philadelphia – A birth injury attorney in Philadelphia has a tremendous task at hand. Trust only a reputable, accomplished legal team with your case. Call the nationally recognized law firm of Rosenbaum & Associates at 1-800-7-LEGAL-7 to review your case. Rosenbaum & Associates is highly regarded for its accomplishments; including compensation secured its clients. Visit website domain for more information.