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When Medical Negligence Results In Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) Injuries

It is estimated that approximately 60 to 80 percent of women who previously had a cesarean section may be able to vaginally deliver a baby in a subsequent pregnancy. However, women who undergo a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) and have scarring from the c-section have the potential for developing a uterine rupture, which can cause life-threatening injuries to mother and her child. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the chance of experiencing a uterine rupture is .2 to 1.5%. Research studies show increased incidence of uterine rupture for women who are induced during labor. Some women experience a rupture during a difficult forceps delivery.At The Law Office of Robert H. Kleinschmidt, P.C., in Scottsdale, our lawyer works hard to help hold negligent medical professionals accountable and to help you recover the full and fair compensation to which you are entitled.

Who Should Not Consider A VBAC?

  • A woman carrying multiple babies
  • A mother who has had two or more C-sections
  • An expectant mother age 40 or over
  • A pregnant woman who is past her due date or who is expecting a large baby
  • A woman whose labor has been induced
  • Someone diagnosed with placenta previa
  • A woman whose baby is presenting abnormally in the birth canal
  • A woman with uterine abnormalities

Signs Of A Uterine Rupture

A uterine rupture is defined as a “tearing open of the uterus into the abdominal cavity.” Ruptures can cause maternal hemorrhaging and may lead to catastrophic or fatal injuries to both mother and baby. The first sign of a rupture is a deceleration of the baby’s heartbeat (bradycardia), which is an indication of fetal distress.

Some women (but not all) experience severe abdominal pain, uncontrolled vaginal bleeding, shock and a rapid pulse.

Hospitals Should Be Prepared

A hospital should have the proper equipment and staffing to handle VBAC emergencies. Doctors need to pay close attention to fetal monitoring strips and be ready to order a C-section for any sign of fetal distress. It is critical for a baby in distress to be delivered within five to 10 minutes to prevent birth asphyxia (hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy or HIE).

Decades Of Experience Litigating Complex Arizona Birth Injury Cases

If you feel your child was a victim of a negligent VBAC medical error, you may file a claim on your child’s behalf for compensation. Call the Law Office of Robert H. Kleinschmidt P.C., today for a free consultation at 480-951-3949, or contact us online.

Attorney Robert H. Kleinschmidt has over 25 years of experience litigating birth injury cases like yours. We work on a contingency basis. This means you pay no attorney fees unless we win your case for you. We provide legal representation to people throughout the greater Phoenix area.