Injury may be caused by delays in carrying out a C-Section, leading to complications including a lack of oxygen. If a C-Section is necessary due to the risk of a vaginal birth (e.g. if the birth canal is too narrow for the size of the baby), if labour has already started, delays can mean the head of the baby being under excessive pressure, leading to brain damage.
Injuries to the mother during a Caesarean / C-Section may be caused by:
- Internal injuries caused by the procedure (e.g. perforation in organs (bowel, bladder, ureter, artery)
- Bowel damage leading to urinary incontinence
- Nerve damage leading to numbness
- Excessive bleeding
- Uncontrolled infection
- Errors made when administering anaesthesia
Injuries to the baby during a Caesarean/C-Section may be caused by:
- Lacerations to the baby when cutting through the lining of the womb
- Bone and skull fractures
- Brachial plexus damage (a bundle of nerves which control the arms)
- Nerve damage – including facial nerve palsy
