The Indiana medical malpractice lawyers at Garau Germano Hanley & Pennington, P.C. represent many patients who have sustained injuries during labor and delivery. One setting in which these injuries frequently occur is in vaginal birth after cesarean section, or, as it is more commonly known, VBAC.
The major risk of VBAC is a uterine rupture. The uterus is more susceptible to rupture during a VBAC delivery due to the incision made in the uterus at the earlier cesarean delivery. Once a uterine rupture occurs, delivery must be completed in a very short time to avoid significant brain injury or death to the child.
Because of the increased risk of uterine rupture, doctors with patients attempting VBAC must be especially careful in preparing for and performing the delivery. Prostaglandins, which are used to induce labor, should not be used in VBAC deliveries as they increase the risk of uterine rupture. Similarly, drugs used to increase maternal contractions such as Pitocin create a significantly increased risk of uterine rupture in VBAC deliveries. Because of the increased risk and catastrophic consequences of uterine rupture, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has recommended that VBAC deliveries only be performed in institutions capable of having physicians immediately available to provide emergency care.
The Indiana medical malpractice lawyers at Garau Germano Hanley & Pennington, P.C. have substantial experience in handling cases involving VBAC and all other areas of obstetrics. If you or a loved one has suffered such an injury, please contact us for a free consultation.