A mother is considering legal action against doctors who forced her to give birth naturally to a 14-lb baby, leaving her needing more than 50 stitches and her son with a dislocated shoulder.
Housewife Ariane Borges was already 42 weeks pregnant when she was admitted at the Sao Jose Maternity Hospital in Colatina, Brazil, on 9th August, with a document from her own doctor advising a C-section, but the hospital team decided to induce labour instead.
Ariane, 39, said about 10 professionals were involved in the procedure, which lasted 21 hours and left her traumatised and in severe pain.
Picture shows Ariane Borges Vieira with her baby, undated. He was born in Colatina, Brazil. Note: Private photo. (newsX)
Her son, Alderico, was born weighing 6.5 kilogrammes (14.3 lbs) and measuring 55 centimetres (21.6 inches) but was not breathing when delivered and needed to be intubated.
He suffered a brachial plexus injury, leaving him unable to move one arm, and spent 10 days in intensive care before being discharged.
Ariane said: "I asked for a C-section, but the team decided on a natural birth. The baby almost lost his life too, because he didn't breathe for five minutes."
Ariane needed more than 50 stitches after suffering deep tears and heavy bleeding.
Picture shows the baby, Alderico Vieira dos Santos, undated. He was born in Colatina, Brazil. Note: Private photo. (newsX)
Doctors later told the family that the child would regain movement in his arm after physical therapy and was not expected to suffer neurological damage.
Ariane and her husband, Alderico de Jesus Santos, 57, who have nine children, said they are still in pain and distress almost two months after the traumatic delivery.
The hospital said the natural birth was the result of a "careful and thorough evaluation by the medical team, always focusing on the safety of both mother and child." It added that it performs more than 300 births a month with "humanised care".
However, the family, who recently moved to Agua Doce do Norte after losing work, said they are struggling to cover basic needs and are considering legal action against the hospital.
(Mike Leidig / newsX)