Holly Grim’s first labor at a noted California hospital in December 2013 was long and painful. The delivery ended with a cesarean section that required a lengthy stay in the hospital. This labor was different – a different hospital, a different obstetrician and a different outcome. Following this vaginal delivery, she had no restrictions on lifting or driving and she didn’t experience severe pain. Some 20 percent of babies are delivered by C-section. While that’s a lower rate from 10 years ago, only 12 to 14 percent are deemed medically justified. Furthermore, women who previously had a C-section are 75 percent more likely to have a second procedure. Yet, most of those women could safely deliver vaginally.
C-Section for delayed labor
One of the main reasons obstetricians perform C-sections is because labor is prolonged or failing to progress. However, there are less invasive approaches to stimulate labor such as—medication, massage, warm shower or carefully rupturing the membranes surrounding the fetus. Another reason is that doctors and patients think of cesareans as a convenient way to time the birth. However, experts warn that a C-section is a major surgery that carries significant surgical risks. These include serious inflammation and infection, blood clots, and longer recovery period.
Of course there are instances where C-sections maybe medically necessary – such as lack of oxygen to a baby or a baby in breech position. Then again, the disparities imply that some decisions are not medically derived – like time constraints for the doctor or malpractice concerns.
Reductions in C-sections result in better health to mothers and babies and lower costs
Cost comparisons between C-sections and vaginal births document the savings. While surgical births can cost as much as $19,000, vaginal births cost $11,500. Furthermore, over the last few years insurance companies have coordinated a push to cut C-section rates across the country and in births covered by Medicaid.
Compensation for serious injuries due to medical negligence
To avoid an unnecessary cesarean delivery, ask what is the obstetrician percentage of cesarean versus natural deliver? Also inquire about the doctor’s willingness to use nonsurgical steps first. If you are seriously injured due to health care provider’s mistakes, contact a skilled attorney from Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath to represent you. Our firm represents victims throughout Florida and nationwide. If you have any questions on this blog or need information on other personal injury queries, please call the Law offices of Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath located in West Palm Beach at 1-800 4-RIGHTS (1-800- 474-4487) We welcome your call and look forward to helping you.
