According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were nearly four million babies born in the U.S. in 2014. However, some deliveries can come with complications that may require the doctor to perform a cesarean section (C-section). One type of complication is cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD).
What Is Cephalopelvic Disproportion?
CPD occurs when the mother’s pelvis is not large enough for the baby to be delivered safely. A doctor diagnoses CPD before or during the birthing process, usually using an ultrasound machine. Often, the size and weight of the baby is an important factor in the diagnosis. However, other possible causes of CPD include:
- Abnormally shaped pelvis
- Abnormal fetus position
- A larger baby due to maternal diabetes, genetics, or multiparity
Risk Factors with CPD
When a doctor diagnoses CDP, sometimes after a prolonged labor, there are certain risk factors for both mother and child. These include problems with:
- Failure to progress. A baby who is unable to exit through the vagina because of size might be at risk for injury, as the baby may easily become stuck in the birth canal. This can lead to lack of oxygen or shoulder injuries for the baby. Often, medical tools such as forceps are used to gently pull the baby from the mother. However, these tools can cause injury to the baby and pose a serious threat of vaginal tearing, perineal tearing, excessive bleeding, or a fractured tail bone to the mother.
- Ruptured uterus. Although this is a rare complication, a mother who’s previously experienced a C-section has a high risk of a uterine rupture after being diagnosed with CPD.
- Post-birth bleeding. CPD increases the likelihood that a mother’s uterus will not contract properly after delivery, which can lead to excessive bleeding.
We Have the Help You Need
If your doctor diagnosed CPD during your delivery and believe you or your baby suffered injuries as a result, we are here to talk with you. The experienced attorneys at the Holton Law Firm successfully advocate for injury victims just like you. If you have questions about your case, reach out to us by starting a live online chat with our legal team.