Many pregnant women in Kentucky will be interested to know that some of the prenatal advice they’ve heard from their medical professionals may not always be in their best interest. A new survey conducted on 2,400 women who had recently given birth has found that some women often experience several invasive interventions and medical procedures, including induced labor and cesarean sections, without truly understanding the risks involved.
These hospital errors can be attributed to doctors not following established guidelines and women not playing an active role in their health care. According to the survey, 41 percent of women had their labor induced with drugs like oxytocin. The reasons behind the induction were fears of the mother reaching her due date or that the baby was getting too large.
But these reasons alone aren’t enough to warrant a drug-induced birth. Furthermore, in about 25 percent of the cases, the women said they felt like their healthcare provider or doctor was pressuring them to go through with the procedure. The survey highlighted the fact that one intervention can and often does lead to more. Of the 75 percent of first-time mothers who underwent labor induction and were given an epidural analgesia, one-third of them had an unplanned C-section. This is in contrast to the mere 5 percent who didn’t undergo an induction and hence did not receive C-sections.
The biggest concern the study brought to light was that of the 50 percent of women who had previously had cesareans. These women had requested a vaginal birth for their second baby but were denied the possibility. This was due to either their doctor or their hospital refusing them that option. These interventions are in strict contrast to the guidelines set forth by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, which is in full support of vaginal births after cesareans or VBAC.
First-time mothers who have suffered minor or major complications due to the improper or incorrect prenatal advice from their doctors or healthcare providers may be entitled to compensation for their injuries or mental suffering. These individuals may benefit from speaking with a medical malpractice attorney in their area. These highly qualified professionals may be able to help the victim or the victim’s loved ones file a claim against the hospitals, health care providers or doctors who are responsible for these errors.
Source: Consumer News, “Pregnant? Watch out for unnecessary c-sections and other questionable medical procedures”, May 08, 2013