As one in four UK babies is delivered by caesarean, the new Guidelines on Caesarean sections issued by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) in November 2011 will affect many people.
NICE Guidelines
National press coverage said the guidelines offered a caesarean to all. That is untrue. What they do is state the medical circumstances where one is recommended and where one is not, and discuss the options when a woman has a preference for a caesarean birth.
- Pregnant women should be given evidence-based information about caesarean sections, including information about the reasons why a caesarean section might be used, what the procedure involves, associated risks and benefits, and implications for future pregnancies and birth.
- The decision about whether to carry out a caesarean section should take into account the woman’s circumstances, concerns and priorities.
In short, women should be fully informed about the option of a caesarean and all of the implications arising from the decision whether or not to have one, both for that and any future deliveries.
Cerebral Palsy
At HeadinjuryUK we are experienced in handling cerebral palsy claims arising from birth injuries. When a woman has previously had a Caesarean and then subsequently undergoes an induced delivery, there is a recognised risk of the Caesarean scar rupturing. As a result the baby may be deprived of oxygen and develop cerebral palsy.
This risk has not always been explained so the woman does not have the informed choice of declining the induction and electing for a caesarean birth. We therefore hope that the NICE Guidelines will ensure women are much better informed of their options so they can decide the best and safest delivery for their child.
If your child was brain injured as a result of their birth and wish to discuss this with one of our specialist injury solicitors, then please contact Clare Langford.
