Considering an Elective C-Section? Many Experts Say Think Twice

October 06, 2012

Cesarean sections, as known as C-sections, are the most common surgeries in the United States today. While they can be quite literally a life saver for some mothers and their new babies, other mothers are electing to have a C-section in lieu of delivering naturally to avoid the inconvenience of not knowing when they are going to deliver.

However, C-sections carry risks like any other type of surgery, and now experts believe that electing to have a child prior to full term may result in brain development consequences for the baby later in life. Physicians who negligently push mothers to have elective C-sections or perform emergency C-sections in a negligent fashion may be held liable for the physical consequences of any complications or harmful and significant developmental delays which result from this medical malpractice.

C-Sections Are Not a Risk-Free Alternative to Vaginal Birth

Despite some claims to the contrary, C-sections are not risk-free, convenient alternatives to vaginal births. Some physicians may encourage mothers to elect C-sections using such claims, but many times the real reason these physicians prefer C-sections is because they are schedulable, unlike un-induced vaginal birth, and because insurance companies pay them more for the surgeries.

Unfortunately, encouraging patients to elect a C-section may lead to medical errors and real harm. For example, a physician may inadvertently harm the mother or the baby during the procedure or the mother may acquire an infection at the surgical site.

On the other hand, failing to recommend a C-section or delayed C-section when one may be immediately appropriate, as in an emergency or when the baby is breech, may also lead to errors. In either case, injured patients may seek compensation through a medical malpractice lawsuit.

Insurance Companies Attempt to Disincentivize Elective C-Sections

The typical Cesarean section costs over $24,000 in 2011, compared to $15,200 for vaginal birth. Insurance companies often bear the brunt of that cost and are now urging the providers in their networks to decrease the number of elective C-sections and induced labors they perform.

One large company, Aetna, reimburses hospitals about twice the amount they do for a vaginal birth and would like providers to reduce C-sections to decrease costs. Another insurance company, Cigna, would also like to see C-section rates decrease, and are even offering awards to hospitals that reduce their elective C-section and early labor induction rates.

Academic Performance: The True Cost of Early Delivery?

Now, some researchers have found that electing to give birth prior to the 40 or 41-week mark may actually make a difference in baby's brain power. A study by Columbia university Medical Center analyzed the test results of 128,000 New York City public school third graders who were all full-term babies, but born between the 37th week--medically considered full term--and the 41st week. They found that the kids who were born in the 37th or 38th weeks did a little worse in math and reading than their peers born in later weeks.

Currently, about 14 percent of all C-sections and induced labors performed prior to the 39th week in the United States are elective. Reducing the number of elective C-sections, especially those before the 40th week of gestation, will reduce medical errors, injuries for mothers and their new little ones and may improve brain function. If you have been injured during a Cesarean section or other obstetric procedure, please contact an experienced medical malpractice attorney to explore your options.

Article provided by Devereaux, Stokes, Nolan, Fernandez & Leonard, P.C.
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