Accidental cuts to the baby
It happens more often than parents are told, and is rarely documented.
In a review of 896 newborn records after cesarean, 1.9% of babies had a skin laceration from the operation. The rate was 6.0% when the baby was not head down, compared with 1.4% when head down.
Most are superficial and heal without a scar. Some require adhesive strips or a stitch.
The documentation problemIn that study, only 1 of the 17 lacerations was recorded in the mother's chart. If your baby has a cut after a cesarean, ask for it to be documented.
Where this comes from:
307. Smith JF, Hernandez C, Wax JR. Fetal laceration injury at cesarean delivery. Obstet Gynecol. 1997;90(3):344-346.
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