X
theAsianparent Logo
theAsianparent Logo
Product GuideSign in
  • SPF 2023
  • Pregnancy
    • Due date calculator
    • I'm pregnant
    • Trying To Conceive
    • Labour
    • After birth
    • Baby loss
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Child
    • Newborn
    • Baby
    • Toddler
    • Pre-Schooler
    • Kid
    • Pre-Teen & Teen
  • Feeding & Nutrition
    • Diseases-Injuries
    • Breastfeeding & Formula
    • Meal Planner
    • Health
    • Allergies & Conditions
    • Vaccinations
  • Education
    • Pre-School
    • Primary School
    • Secondary School
    • Primary School Directory
  • Lifestyle
    • Money
    • Travel & Leisure
    • Fashion
    • Home
    • Fitness
    • Contests & promotions
  • Events
  • Aptamil
    • Immunity
    • Intelligence
  • TAP Recommends
  • Shopping
  • Press Releases
  • Project Sidekicks
  • Community
  • Advertise With Us
  • Contact Us
  • VIP

Newborn's Head Sliced by Scalpel During C-section: C-section Injuries

10 Sep, 2018
Newborn's Head Sliced by Scalpel During C-section: C-section Injuries

The little one needed six stitches.

A C-section is one of the most commonly performed surgeries globally, safely birthing millions of babies around the world every single day. But, as with all surgeries, there are risks involved, as one mother recently learned. She was horrified by the nature of C-section injuries her newborn baby girl suffered at the hands of the gynaecologist during delivery. 

Mum Furious After C-Section Injuries to Her Baby 

Newborns Head Sliced by Scalpel During C-section: C-section Injuries

Image source: Yahoo! News

Only identified by her first name due to privacy reasons, Helene is a French mum of three. She recently gave birth to her third daughter via planned C-section. However, the birth process turned into a nightmare for the mum. 

While performing the cut to deliver her baby, the gynaecologist also sliced the baby girl’s fragile head with a scalpel. “As a result, she required six stitches. Luckily it was not her face,” said Helene.

Newborns Head Sliced by Scalpel During C-section: C-section Injuries

Image source: Yahoo! News

Adding to the horror of the experience, the mum was also appalled at how the hospital treated the incident. The gynaecologist who injured the baby reportedly said it wasn’t that bad, and that it “is only her hair”. 

She also claims the anaesthetist did not give her the right dose of anaesthesia, and that she was “in extreme pain”.

But the hospital board in a statement – calling it a rare incident – insists that mum and baby were never in danger the whole time. 

The good news is that Helene’s baby girl has recovered from her C-section injuries. Doctors have also removed the six stitches that she needed. They say that other than a small scar, there should be no other effects of the injury. 

Still, Helene is considering suing the hospital in question. 

C-Section Injuries: Are They Common? 

c-section injuries

Image source: iStock

According to Mayo Clinic, a C-section is generally safe and recommended if a vaginal birth poses risks to mum or baby. However, like any surgery, a C-section involves certain risks. 

Aside from accidental lacerations, here are other Caesarean section risks to watch out for:

1. Breathing problems in babies

Newborns Head Sliced by Scalpel During C-section: C-section Injuries

Image source: iStock

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

Newborns Head Sliced by Scalpel During C-section: C-section Injuries

Image source: iStock

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, otherwise known as a pulmonary embolism.

This is the reason why doctors encourage walking and ambulation after surgery.

6. Wound infection

C-section wound infections usually occur on the incision site or inside the uterus. 

Partner Stories
What to Expect the First 24 Hours After Giving Birth
What to Expect the First 24 Hours After Giving Birth
Are You Ready for PlayFACTO School’s Islandwide Open House Extravaganza?
Are You Ready for PlayFACTO School’s Islandwide Open House Extravaganza?
21st Century Parenting 101: Hear From Our Experts About Everything from S.T.E.M to Your Child’s Digital Well Being
21st Century Parenting 101: Hear From Our Experts About Everything from S.T.E.M to Your Child’s Digital Well Being
Is Your Child’s Tummy Troubles Causing You Sleepless Nights? Lactogen 3 is Your Solution!
Is Your Child’s Tummy Troubles Causing You Sleepless Nights? Lactogen 3 is Your Solution!

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, 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.

 

Sources: Yahoo News, Mayo Clinic

Featured image: Yahoo News screengrab

Also read: Vaginal Birth After C-Section

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download theAsianparent Community on iOS or Android now!

img
Written by

Nalika Unantenne

  • Home
  • /
  • News
  • /
  • Newborn's Head Sliced by Scalpel During C-section: C-section Injuries
Share:
  • Mum and baby die after drunk doctor performs C-section

    Mum and baby die after drunk doctor performs C-section

  • Mum close to death after losing almost all her blood during a C-section

    Mum close to death after losing almost all her blood during a C-section

  • I Try Tracy Lee's Hack for Egg Tarts and It's So Easy That Even Kids Can Make it

    I Try Tracy Lee's Hack for Egg Tarts and It's So Easy That Even Kids Can Make it

  • STUDY: Nagging Mothers with High Expectations Raise Successful Daughters - What Does It Mean For You?

    STUDY: Nagging Mothers with High Expectations Raise Successful Daughters - What Does It Mean For You?

  • Mum and baby die after drunk doctor performs C-section

    Mum and baby die after drunk doctor performs C-section

  • Mum close to death after losing almost all her blood during a C-section

    Mum close to death after losing almost all her blood during a C-section

  • I Try Tracy Lee's Hack for Egg Tarts and It's So Easy That Even Kids Can Make it

    I Try Tracy Lee's Hack for Egg Tarts and It's So Easy That Even Kids Can Make it

  • STUDY: Nagging Mothers with High Expectations Raise Successful Daughters - What Does It Mean For You?

    STUDY: Nagging Mothers with High Expectations Raise Successful Daughters - What Does It Mean For You?

Get advice on your pregnancy and growing baby. Sign up for our newsletter
  • Pregnancy
    • Baby
    • Education
    • Events
    • Allergies & Conditions
  • Family Occasions
    • Breastfeeding & Formula
    • Child Safety
    • Health
    • Diseases-Injuries
  • Lifestyle
    • Home
    • Money
    • Feeding & Nutrition
    • Diet & Weightloss
  • Normal Delivery
    • Cesarean Delivery
    • Behaviour
    • Secondary School
    • Formula Feeding
  • Ages & Stages
    • Latching & Concerns
    • Festivals & Holidays
    • Education
    • Pre-teen & Teen
  • More
    • TAP Community
    • Advertise With Us
    • Contact Us
    • Become a Contributor


  • Singapore flag Singapore
  • Thailand flag Thailand
  • Indonesia flag Indonesia
  • Philippines flag Philippines
  • Malaysia flag Malaysia
  • Sri-Lanka flag Sri Lanka
  • India flag India
  • Vietnam flag Vietnam
  • Australia flag Australia
  • Japan flag Japan
  • Nigeria flag Nigeria
  • Kenya flag Kenya
© Copyright theAsianparent 2023. All rights reserved
About Us|Team|Privacy Policy|Terms of Use |Sitemap HTML
  • Tools
  • Articles
  • Feed
  • Poll

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it