Nearly five years after losing her beloved baby boy in a botched C-section delivery, a UK mum has found some form of comfort, knowing that she was in no way at fault.
“As if losing my baby wasn’t enough, I have been put through hell fighting for the reassurance that I could not have prevented my baby son’s death,” she laments to BBC in an interview.
Nottingham Hospital in the UK has finally apologised after a botched Caesarean operation that killed Claire’s baby back in 2013.
Image source: Mark Fear/Nottinghampost
The baby boy, Carson Allen, died three hours after being born via an emergency C-section delivery, due to an accidental cut in his skull. The two-inch surgical laceration later caused massive bleeding.
Claire Smith, the baby’s mum, recalled losing her baby as the “worst experience of (her) life.”
“I doubt my family will ever get over our loss,” she said.
Dr Lucy Kean, the hospital’s head of obstetrics and gynaecology apologised for the “shortfalls” in the care they gave Claire’s baby Carson.
“[We are] mindful that no words or amount of money can undo the harm and distress the family have experienced,” said Dr Kean.
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The risks of C-section delivery
Whether you plan to give birth normally or through a C-section, there’s no doubt that you are eagerly anticipating the moment you finally hold your little one.
This anticipation is often mixed with worry. The best way to ease this anxiety is to know the risks of choosing one birth method over another.
C-sections are favoured by doctors for mums-to-be who would be put at risk by a vaginal delivery.
These are mums who have cephalopelvic disproportion, heart conditions, or those who experience life-threatening labour problems.
The case of Carson Allen and others like it shed light on the importance of care and precision when it comes to emergency C-sections.
Though rare, birth injuries during a C-section delivery can happen.
Aside from accidental lacerations, here are other Caesarean section risks to watch out for:
1. Breathing problems in babies
More common in scheduled C-sections, issues like rapid breathing can arise when a baby’s lungs aren’t fully developed.
2. Inflammation and infection of the uterus
Also known as endometritis, inflammation and infection of the uterus results in high fever, uterine pain, and foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
3. Severe bleeding
During a C-section delivery, mums are more likely to lose a lot of blood compared to a vaginal birth.
4. Adverse reactions to anaesthesia
Though rare, some mums experience adverse reactions to common types of anaesthesia like a spinal block or epidural-spinal anaesthesia.
5. Blood clots
Following a C-section, clots can develop in the veins of the legs or pelvic organs.
These clots become dangerous and life-threatening when they travel to the lungs. This is also known as a pulmonary embolism.
This is the reason why walking and ambulation is encouraged after surgery.
6. Wound infection
C-section wound infections usually occur on the incision site or inside the uterus.
7. Surgical injuries
Aside from cuts and nicks on the baby’s skin, there is also a risk of damaging nearby organs like the urinary bladder.
On top of all of this, C-sections can make future pregnancies riskier. After a C-section, a mum is more likely to encounter placental problems and uterine rupture.
However, a vaginal birth after C-section (VBAC) is not impossible. Just be sure to consult your gynaecologist regarding the right choice for you and your baby.
Whatever birth method you choose, we hope you get the best care possible.
sources: BBC news, Birth Injury Guide, Mayo Clinic
READ THIS ALSO: All you need to know about c-section recovery: Care and tips