Sometimes Caesarean section procedures are recommended for women giving birth because it can be lifesaving for both mother and baby. However, there are risks involved, and these can be compounded by the negligence of medical staff at crucial stages of pregnancy and birth as well as during aftercare.

What is a Caesarean section?

A Caesarean section, commonly known as a C-section, is a major operation. A cut is made in your stomach and womb, just below the bikini line, to deliver your baby. An epidural anaesthetic is administered to numb the lower part of your body prior to the procedure. C-sections are recommended to around 1 in 4 women in the UK when vaginal birth is thought to be too risky.

C-sections can be planned in advance – this is common if your baby or the placenta is in a position that would restrict birth through the cervix and vaginal canal – or recommended as an emergency procedure during a difficult labour where the mother and or baby’s life is in danger.

Negligence and C-sections

Doctors are well-trained to perform C-sections with the support of nurses and midwives, and most procedures are successful. However, there are several protocols to follow before, during and after a C-section, and if missed these can make the situation unsafe.

When a healthcare team fails in their expected duty of care, it can cause avoidable harm to the mother or baby such as respiratory distress, infection and damage to internal organs. In these cases, compensation can be pursued through specialist medical negligence claims led by legal professionals.

How to spot negligent behaviour during a C-section

Negligent behaviour associated with Caesarean procedure complications includes:

  • Delayed decision-making (risks harmful or even fatal foetal distress)
  • Surgical errors such as accidental damage to internal organs
  • Poor post-operative care which can lead to serious infection

Having an awareness of these potential problems will make you better able to spot them in crucial moments and demand your deserved duty of care.

Safeguarding against negligence during childbirth

You will naturally feel anxious and distracted during labour, especially if it’s your first experience of childbirth, and this can impact your awareness of what’s going on. However, it’s important that you and your partner remain vigilant about your and the baby’s well-being to help safeguard against negligence during childbirth.

Prior to your due date, research problems that may arise during labour and when they count as an emergency. For example, feeling your baby’s heart rate dropping is a sign that immediate emergency surgery is vital. While you can and should rely on the expertise of medical staff, you know your body and should raise anything that feels wrong. Sometimes quick action can be lifesaving for mothers and their babies.