A caesarean section is a common and often life-saving procedure. When carried out correctly, it can protect both mother and baby. However, when mistakes are made during a c-section, the consequences can be devastating and, in some cases, irreversible.
Our specialist stillbirth and neonatal death solicitors regularly support families whose lives have been changed by negligently performed caesarean sections. One recent case, resulting in a £200,000 settlement, highlights the serious risks that arise when basic standards of care are not followed.
Failure to check the baby’s position before a caesarean section
Before a caesarean is performed, clinicians have a clear duty to check the baby’s position. This assessment is essential, as it determines the safest type and location of the uterine incision. In this case, the hospital failed to confirm how the baby was lying before surgery. As a result, the surgeon began the procedure without knowing whether the planned incision was appropriate. This fundamental oversight meant the operation could not proceed safely as intended.
Failing to check the baby’s position can lead to:
- The wrong type of incision being used
- Delays in delivering the baby
- Increased risk of placental separation
- Serious injury or stillbirth
Incorrect incisions and delayed delivery
Because the initial incision was unsuitable, the baby could not be delivered safely. This was only discovered after surgery had already begun, causing an unnecessary and dangerous delay while a further incision was made.
During this delay, the placenta separated. Placental abruption during delivery is a medical emergency and deprives the baby of oxygen. In this case, it resulted in a preventable stillbirth.
Errors during caesarean surgery, including poor planning and an incorrect incision choice, significantly increase the risk of:
- Placental abruption
- Excessive bleeding
- The baby becoming distressed
- A stillbirth or neonatal death
Long-term risks of incorrect c-section techniques
The consequences of a poorly performed caesarean do not always end with the delivery. The type and number of uterine incisions made can have a lasting impact on a woman’s health and future family planning.
In this case, the incorrect use of a T-shaped uterine incision exposed our client to a much higher risk of complications. Despite this, she was wrongly advised that she could safely try for another pregnancy after just three to six months.
This advice fell below an acceptable standard of care. Following this guidance led directly to a catastrophic uterine rupture during her next pregnancy, resulting in a second stillbirth and the loss of her ability to carry future pregnancies.
Incorrectly conducted c-sections can increase the risk of:
- Uterine rupture in future pregnancies
- Placenta accreta or previa
- Infertility
- Loss of the uterus
- Further stillbirth or neonatal deaths following subsequent pregnancies
When negligent caesarean care may lead to a claim
You may be entitled to claim compensation if mistakes were made during your caesarean section causing a permanent serious injury including:
- Failure to assess the baby’s position before surgery
- Use of an inappropriate or high-risk incision
- Delays in delivery caused by poor surgical planning
- Inadequate advice about recovery and future pregnancies
Hospitals do not always admit fault, even when errors are clear. In this case, despite no formal admission of liability, we were able to secure significant compensation to support the family’s future, including funding IVF treatment and a successful surrogate pregnancy.
How our caesarean negligence solicitors can help
We understand that nothing can undo the trauma caused by negligent maternity care. Our role is to help families find answers, accountability, and the financial support they need to move forward.
Our team offers:
- Specialist expertise in c-section negligence leading to a preventable stillbirth or neonatal death
- A compassionate, client-focused approach
- Clear advice on whether your care fell below acceptable standards
- Support throughout every stage of the legal process
- A commitment to forensically investigate exactly what happened up to the baby’s birth and during neonatal care
If you are concerned that mistakes during a caesarean section caused permanent serious harm to you or your baby, we are here to listen.