Atlanta Vaginal Birth/Cesarean Delivery Injuries Lawyer
An Atlanta vaginal birth/cesarean delivery injuries lawyer could help you recover the compensation you need after experiencing a tremendous loss due to a doctor or medical professional’s negligence. Mistakes such as these by people held in such high esteem is not acceptable. Hold them accountable with a team of medical malpractice lawyers.
Risks of a Vaginal Birth After a Previous Cesarean Delivery
The largest risk with a vaginal birth after a cesarean delivery is uterine rupture. A uterine rupture is a rupture or tears at the site of a prior cesarean section (C-section) scar. This is a serious medical emergency that leads to uncontrolled bleeding in the mom, oxygen deprivation and brain damage, or death to the baby.
The risk to both the mother and baby is very significant if a uterine rupture occurs. Death of the baby is more likely to occur than to the mom.
Scars from previous cesarean sections are one of the things evaluated to determine if a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) procedure is appropriate or not. The scar should be assessed as part of the medical decision-making process as to whether a VBAC is not a good option:
- If the mom has a vertical incision scar that is higher up,
- If the mom has scars on their uterus from other surgeries, or
- If the mom has a scar that has ruptured in the past.
The VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean section) is still an option that some women choose. However, C-sections are still more likely to occur after a prior C-section, but VBACs do occur.
What Should Mothers Do If They Wish to Proceed
A decision to go through with the VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean section) is something that certainly should be done in consultation with a physician. The mom or family should ask all the questions that they have about the procedure and the process. Another important factor to consider is whether the hospital has adequate facilities and staffing to handle a VBAC procedure and, most importantly, to provide prompt care if a uterine rupture occurs.
If there are significant risks of complications, a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean section) probably should not be attempted and, instead, a C-section should be performed.
Signs of a Uterine Rupture
Possible signs of a uterine rupture are:
- Excessive vaginal bleeding,
- Sudden pain in between the contractions,
- If the contractions get slow or are less intense, and
- Sudden pain at the site of the previous C-section scar.
What Increases the Risk of a Rupture
If a mom has had more than two prior C-sections, that can increase the risk for a uterine rupture. Other risks for a uterine rupture include:
- If the C-section scar is high and vertical,
- If the mom had a C-section less than 18 months prior,
- If the mom had a uterine rupture before,
- If there are other health concerns such as the baby’s in an abnormal position, and
- There have been problems with the placenta.
The dangers from a uterine rupture to a mom and the baby for a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean section) are so significant that if there are any concerns that it could happen, then it should be thoroughly investigated to determine what the risks are to mom and to proceed as safely as possible. If the doctor fails to fully analyze the risks and properly educate the patient regarding performing a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean section) and a uterine rupture does occur during a VBAC, the patient could very well have a case.
Medical Negligence on the Part of a Doctor or Medical Professional
In addition to properly assessing the risks on the frontend with a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean section), there are a lot of the cases that where the uterine rupture occurs but is not promptly responded to. A C-section has to be performed on an emergency basis if, during a VBAC, there was a uterine rupture.
If the C-section does not happen quickly enough, whether it is because there was no operating room available, no appropriate amount of staff at the ready, or no proper equipment, this could constitute negligence. If the C-section does not happen quickly enough, the baby could certainly suffer significant injuries or death. The promptness of a C-section is another of the factors with VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean section) cases.
If a mom or family has concerns that the doctor did not sufficiently explore the risk factors and explain to them or promptly respond to a uterine rupture that occurred, then they should consult an Atlanta VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean section) attorney.
Medical malpractice is determined by obtaining all the medical records of the mother and the baby and having them reviewed by an expert. By a thorough review of the medical records, consulting experts, and the use of an in-house doctor, a team of attorneys could determine if there has been a violation of the standard of care that led to the baby’s injuries and/or death.
Speak to a Dedicated Legal Professional Today
Having an experienced medical malpractice attorney who knows how Atlanta VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean section) injuries occur, what to look for in the medical records, what evidence and testimony are needed to establish the basis for a medical malpractice case is invaluable. If you or someone you love was injured because of a negligent medical professional, then you need to reach out to an attorney who could prioritize your needs, present evidence in court with cutting-edge technology, and help you recover the compensation you need. Call today for your free case review and to speak to an attorney who takes calls after hours.
