A second stage caesarean section occurs when a caesarean section is performed at full dilation of the cervix and accounts for around 2% of all births. It is well known that this can cause complications, both for mother and baby. These complications are usually due to difficulties encountered trying to disengage the baby’s head, which by the time of delivery is deeply wedged inside the mother’s pelvis.
Attempts are often made to free the baby’s head by the attending obstetrician putting their hand between the baby’s skull and the mother’s pelvis, when there is a complete lack of space in which to do so. Furthermore, it is common for an assisting doctor to apply upward pressure to the baby’s head via the vagina. Both techniques place a huge amount of pressure on the baby’s skull and can result in skull fractures, brain injury and even death. There is also a risk of damage to the mother’s uterus, potentially leading to complications in future pregnancies.
There are currently no formal ‘best practice’ guidelines in place offering guidance to doctors on how best to deal with these deliveries. As a result, this is an area where claims against the NHS are increasing. The consequences can be devastating for both mother and baby. If you or your baby has suffered as a result of poor care during labour and delivery, please do not hesitate to contact our sensitive and understanding team.