The Health Protection Agency (HPA) says that 1 in 10 women whose babies are born by Caesarean section suffer from an infection after the operation.

This rate is higher than comparable operations. The researchers responded to the findings by stressing that women need to be informed about the risk of infection when considering having an elective C-section and said that doctors need to put in more effort to prevent infections during the surgery.

Swain & Co.’s specialist medical negligence solicitors say that about 1 in 4 babies are born by Caesarean section and the figures suggest that around 15,000 women are suffering from post-operative infections. These figures include superbugs such as MRSA. This is a worrying figure and supports the need for women to be fully informed of all risks of during and post-operation.

The study looked at 4107 women who had C-sections in 14 hospitals across England in 2009. In 394 cases the women suffered an infection either at the hospital or shortly after discharge. That is 9.6%. Most infections were superficial but still required antibiotics. 6% of the infections required the mother to be readmitted to hospital.

According to the study, obese women are 3 times more likely to develop an infection and teenage mothers are twice as likely.

We are concerned as regardless of the superficiality of an infection, it will still affect a woman’s experience and quality of life. They also present a substantial burden on the NHS, can result in pain and discomfort for the woman and the infection may spread to deeper tissues.

This may lead to feelings in the woman that she is unable to provide care for her child. This coupled with the limitation on physical abilities after a caesarean section could lead to women hitting lows after the birth of their child.

                                                                                                                                                                               

Swain & Co.’s medical negligence solicitors are experience in representing families that have been affected by medical mistakes made during pregnancy, birth and in aftercare. Birth injuries can be to the mother or the baby.

If you think that you or your child has been a victim medical or hospital negligence arising out of a pregnancy or birth then Swain & Co are here to help.

We have the knowledge and experienced of complex birth injuries claims, and can help you get the answers you need as to why this has happened.

We offer free initial consultations to discuss the potentials of bringing a claim and the funding options that may be available to you, such as Legal Aid and No Win No Fee.

So call us for free on 0800 0351 999