Pushing During Labor For 5 Hours

My wife was in labor for 12 hours, 5 of those 12 hours she was pushing. Her doctor had her pushing for 5 hours straight, as a result of pushing her blader ended up dropping to the point that she can see it and feel it. She went to see another doctor and was told that the doctor shouldn't have made her push for so long and that she was to young to have that happen to her.. She was told that she shouldn't have had our baby by natural birth because of the complications she had. Is it normal to push for so long? Is there anything we can do to that doctor for doing that to her??

Dear Art;

What you are describing is termed "prolapsed bladder" in the medical profession. Under even the best of circumstances, it is not uncommon after childbirth, although USUALLY it happens after 2 or more pregnancies, and not the first. For a young, healthy woman in good physical shape, having her first baby to experience this IS somewhat UNUSUAL.

The condition is caused from weakening of the mucles in the pelvic floor, such as pushing for long periods during the labor cycle.

Aside from the discomfort, patients with prolapse bladder or uterus are more prone to infection. Sexual intercourse can also be very painful.

While I agree that pushing for 5 hours during labor is a bit much, (this could easily result in injury to the infant, as well as the type of injury your wife sustained), some ob/gyn physicians will disagree.

Eventually, your wife will have to have corrective surgery to repair the prolapse. It seems that in itself would be cause for a claim of negligence.

I suggest that you begin by filing a complaint with the State Board of Medical Examiners against the doctor. You should also consult with an attorney who is experienced in ob/gyn malpractice.

Best of luck to you!

Pam