TIME Features Article on Cesarean Sections and VBAC

Posted on February 22, 2009 by David Austin

There is much debate regarding the high number of Cesarean sections performed in the United States each year, particularly because it’s a major surgery that is increasingly chosen out of convenience rather than necessity.

Once a woman has a C-section, she is usually forced to have the procedure for subsequent pregnancies because of the risks associated with what is known as VBAC (vaginal birth after C-section). VBAC can cause uterine rupture, oxygen deprivation to the baby (which can lead to brain damage and cerebral palsy) and even death.

According to an article in TIME Magazine, 1 in 2,000 babies die or suffer brain damage after VBAC – a statistic the author cites as low. However, one case of death or oxygen deprivation is one too many and these are the types of cases that can result in a medical malpractice lawsuit. Consequently, not a lot of doctors are willing to oversee a VBAC.

To read more about the ongoing debate and some of the issues confronting pregnant women, check out the article in the current issue of TIME Magazine online.


 

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What You Should Know about C-Sections

Posted on January 27, 2009 by David Austin

Cesarean section (c-section) is an increasingly common surgical procedure used to deliver babies. Though sometimes medically necessary, it is not a procedure without risks. In fact, c-sections performed too early can be a risk factor for cerebral palsy.

Whether you have already delivered or are preparing to deliver a baby by way of c-section, there are some important facts you should know:

C-section is a major surgery, during which the mother is given anesthesia and an incision is made in the belly and womb for the removal of the baby. Some babies are affected adversely by the anesthesia, and it’s important that the benefits of c-section outweigh the risks.

C-section may be necessary due to complications that arise during pregnancy or labor – for instance, the baby is in distress; it’s a multiple birth pregnancy; the mother has HIV or genital herpes; or the mother has had a previous c-section. However, some medical experts believe that many c-sections are performed when not medically necessary. Evidence has shown that c-sections performed late-preterm (between 34 and 36 weeks gestation) carry certain risks for the baby, and c-sections during this time are increasing. Preterm birth is one of the greatest risk factors for cerebral palsy.

Babies born by way of c-section tend to have more breathing difficulties than babies born vaginally.

C-section also poses risks to the mother, such as increased bleeding, infection, blood clots, and placenta problems in subsequent pregnancies.

If your doctor tries to schedule a c-section before 39 weeks gestation, make sure to ask why early delivery would be medically necessary. It’s best to wait until after 40 weeks gestation. If you had a c-section because of complications during your labor and your child was born with cerebral palsy, you may wish to look into the matter further. It may be possible that the condition was preventable.


 

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