The Rate of Low-Risk Cesarean Sections Continues to Decline

The first of several articles that are being released as part of a new series on pregnancy and birth-related issues by a popular national news network has a startling title. The piece, entitled “Why I Regret my Scheduled C-Section,” was written by journalist Lisa Ling as part of a larger segment that is being published by CNN called “This Is Birth,” which will address many issues that American families face when seeking professional medical care during a pregnancy.

Why the Author Regretted Her Elective C-Section

Part one of the newly published series explains how and why the author came to regret her decision to have a scheduled cesarean delivery of her second child. According to the facts discussed in the article, a late ultrasound of her first pregnancy revealed that the child’s umbilical cord was wrapped around her neck and would need to be delivered by C-section. Her first C-section went as planned and without complications. When she became pregnant again, the author scheduled her second child to be delivered by C-section, a popular decision for mothers who have previously given birth by C-section. Unlike her first delivery, the author’s second C-section had complications and resulted in the author acquiring a dangerous and painful infection in the hospital. Although her baby and she ultimately recovered, the author clearly states that she did not thoughtfully consider the risks of a C-section compared to those of a natural birth, and shr regrets her decision to have the surgery.

Low-Risk Cesarean Sections Are Declining in Frequency

Presently, many other mothers and families are deciding to choose natural birth, even for a subsequent delivery after a C-section, because of the under-discussed risks to both the mother and the child that are associated with an elective cesarean delivery. According to the article, the rate of low-risk cesarean deliveries peaked in 2009 at approximately 28% of all low-risk births, and it has fallen by over 10% since its peak. Since cesarean deliveries are more expensive and profitable for doctors and hospitals than natural births, doctors may recommend a cesarean section without adequately informing their patient of the risks and alternatives to such a delivery.

A Poorly Advised Scheduled Cesarean Section Could Be the Result of Medical Malpractice

A cesarean section is a serious surgical procedure, and a patient must give informed consent for such a procedure to be performed. If a mother or child suffers complications as a result of an elective cesarean delivery and did not give informed consent for the procedure before it was performed, the doctor and hospital may be accountable for damages to the mother or child through a medical malpractice action. Many mothers are not aware of the risks of a cesarean delivery and may not know that natural deliveries of subsequent children after a cesarean section may be safer than an elective cesarean delivery.

Compensation for Florida Victims of Birth Injuries

Each year, thousands of families in Florida are affected by birth injuries that have been caused by medical malpractice, including the overuse of cesarean deliveries. A Florida mother or child who has been injured, disabled, or killed as a result of medical malpractice or a preventable birth injury may be entitled to compensation from the doctor or hospital for their losses and expenses related to the malpractice, and they should contact a skilled South Florida medical malpractice attorney to proceed with their claim.

Legal Counsel for South Florida Birth Injury Victims

If you or a family member has been injured or killed as a result of a birth injury or another act of medical malpractice, the Miami birth injury and medical malpractice attorneys at Friedman, Rodman & Frank may be able to help. Our experienced and qualified South Florida malpractice lawyers understand successful Florida birth injury claims, and we know how to pursue the compensation that you deserve. At Friedman, Rodman & Frank, we represent clients in birth injury and medical malpractice cases throughout South Florida. Contact us to schedule a no-obligation consultation and discuss your case with a qualified attorney for free. Call us toll-free at 877-448-8585 or use our web-based form to be put in touch with a skilled attorney and discuss your case.

More Blog Posts:

Federal Court Awards Additional Damages to Plaintiff Based On Insurance Company’s Bad Faith, South Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Blog, published September 9, 2016.

Court Upholds Verdict in Icy Road Car Accident Case, South Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Blog, published September 23, 2016.

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