C-Section Risks

A c-section or cesarean section is delivering a baby by surgery and as with any surgery there are risks.  Of course c-sections have saved many lives and reduced lots of complications but there are still problems you and your baby may face.

C-sections today are one of the most commonly performed surgeries in the world and the latest average says that nearly 1 in 3 births results in a c-section. With so many c-section births going on it's so important to be aware of the risks, especially for c-sections that may be medically unnecessary or for women choosing to have a c-section out of convenience or fear of childbirth.

If you are pregnant or expecting to become pregnant the best thing you can do for yourself and your baby is to be prepared for the unexpected.  Most women having a baby for the first time don't expect to have a c-section, so prepare yourself well in advance and discuss the possibility of a c-section with your doctor.  

Medical Reasons and Risks of a c-section

There are several reasons why you may have a c-section, so let's discuss what they are:

• You've already had a c-section or other uterine surgeries.
  
• You have a breech baby
  
• You have a baby that may be too large to pass through the birth canal or is in a transverse position (shoulders will enter the birth canal first)
  
• Labor stalls or fails to progress
  
• Baby shows signs of fetal distress
  
• There are placenta problems
  
• The mother has serious medical conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
  
• You're having multiple births
  
• You have HIV or a genital herpes outbreak

So what are the risks to you?

Increased bleeding, possibly requiring a transfusion - Blood loss is generally more with a c-section and is normal, however blood transfusions are rare.

Injuries to the bowel or bladder - Because the uterus is so close to the bowel and bladder injury can occur but again this is generally rare. Your bowels do however slow down a bit after surgery which could result in bloating and discomfort.

Infection on or around the incision - Many women experience infection in their incision but this is fairly common and not life threatening. There are several ways to avoid infection but avoiding heavy activity and exercise can help. 

Blood clots in legs, pelvic organs or lungs - Not extremely common but it can occur.

While many of these risks are quite low, they are risks just the same and you should discuss all risks with your doctor.

You're in for a longer hospital stay - about 2-3 days longer.

What are the Risks to your baby?

A baby may be born too early causing lung and breathing problems, feeding problems, ability to maintain body temperature and jaundice.