Quick answers
This page explains how delayed caesarean claims are assessed. It is general information only.
When delay may matter
A caesarean delay may require investigation where there were signs of fetal compromise, obstructed or prolonged labour, maternal deterioration, placental problems, uterine rupture concerns, cord issues, sepsis or other risk factors requiring urgent action.
Escalation and decision-making
The question is often when a senior obstetric review should have occurred, when the decision for caesarean should reasonably have been made, and whether the decision-to-delivery interval was appropriate in the circumstances.
Mother and baby outcomes
Delayed caesarean claims may involve hypoxic brain injury, neonatal encephalopathy, cerebral palsy, stillbirth, neonatal death, maternal haemorrhage, infection or other serious maternal injury.
Causation
Expert evidence must address whether earlier caesarean delivery would probably have avoided or reduced injury. This often involves obstetric, midwifery, neonatology and paediatric neurology evidence.
Evidence needed
Useful evidence includes antenatal records, labour notes, CTG traces, partograms, theatre records, decision-to-delivery documentation, cord gases, neonatal records, imaging and incident investigation documents.
Sources used
This page is informed by NICE fetal monitoring in labour guidance, NICE caesarean birth guidance and NHS cerebral palsy information. See NICE: Fetal monitoring in labour, Caesarean birth and NHS: Cerebral palsy.