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Unnecessary C-sections come with a high risk of complications

On Behalf of | Apr 19, 2021 | Medical Malpractice

When you prepare to give birth in Delaware, you may practice breathing exercises and similar efforts to get ready for delivery. If you are like many other women, you may not give as much attention to the possibility that you may wind up delivering your baby via Cesarean section. Yet, statistics show that you would be wise to consider this possibility.

Per USA Today, the number of women giving birth via C-section continues to climb across the United States. This is true despite the fact that there is a much higher risk of complications associated with C-section deliveries.

C-section delivery rates

Currently, 31% of all American-born babies undergo delivery via C-sections. This is true even though the World Health Organization considers the ideal C-section delivery rate to be closer to between about 10% and 15%. Even more concerning is the fact that, in some U.S. hospitals, more than 60% of babies delivered there arrive via C-section.

C-section risks

Any surgical procedure brings with it a risk of complications, and C-section deliveries are no exception.  Research shows that your risk of experiencing complications in your delivery is 80% higher when you have a C-section, as opposed to a typical vaginal delivery. There is a much higher risk of infection. You also face a higher risk of hemorrhaging or suffering a serious reaction to the anesthesia used in your procedure. There is also an elevated chance of blood clots or surgical injuries when you deliver your child via C-section.

When making plans to deliver your baby at a particular hospital, consider asking what percentage of the babies they deliver arrive via C-section.

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