There are many outcomes that may occur when a woman enters a hospital to have a baby. In the best situations, a healthy baby is born and a mother does not experience any pregnancy complications. There are circumstances that require a Massachusetts doctor to intervene and perform a Cesarean section. However, these procedures are associated with a number of risks, and they may even be done without medical necessity, as statistics suggest.
According to the World Health Organization, C-sections should make up for no more than 15 percent of all births. Currently in Massachusetts, the numbers vary from hospital to hospital, with rates of between 14 and 39 percent. Those numbers represent a large jump in the number of surgeries over the last few decades. Experts explain that the increase may be because the procedure offers convenience and an option for physicians who are concerned about complications that may arise from a vaginal birth.
Whatever its benefits are, the surgery does pose risks to both infants and the mothers. Women may end up infertile as a result of a botched procedure, and infants have an increased chance of developing allergies, asthma and other medical conditions. Massachusetts hospitals are making an effort to lower the number of C-sections performed. Across the state, some facilities are discouraging women from electing a C-sections, and some are working to standardize the way decisions are made during labor.
A mistake in the delivery room can have major repercussions for a family. It is important that anyone who has experienced a pregnancy-related injury contact an attorney, as victims may be entitled to compensation to cover the cost of medical expenses, pain and suffering and other long-term consequences.
Source: PRI, “Why are Cesarean sections so common when most agree they shouldn’t be?” Tory Starr, May 12, 2014
