A c-section, also called a cesarean section, is a surgical procedure used to deliver a baby. Approximately 25 percent of pregnant women give birth by c-section, according to medical experts with MedlinePlus. Expectant mothers who elect or need to have their baby by cesarean delivery should discuss the complications and risks of a c-section with a medical professional.
Bleeding
A mother who delivers her baby by c-section is at an increased risk of developing bleeding complications following this surgical procedure. These bleeding complications may be severe enough to require a blood transfusion, warn medical professionals with the March of Dimes. Excessive blood loss can cause symptoms of fatigue, weakness and pale skin in affected mothers. Typically, women who experience extensive blood loss after having a c-section receive prompt medical care from their doctor.
Incision Infection
During this procedure, a surgeon makes a incision along the stomach of a pregnant mother. The surgeon can then access the uterus within a woman's body through this skin incision. The surgeon also makes an incision along the uterine wall, which enables her to remove the baby from a mother's uterus. Once the c-section is complete, the surgeon will close these incisions with stitches or staples. The c-section incision sites can become infected as a complication of this surgical procedure, explain medical experts with the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. An infected c-section incision can be painful and may increase a woman's risk of developing a surgical scar.
Bowel or Bladder Damage
A surgeon can inadvertently damage a woman's bowel or bladder during a c-section, warn medical professionals with KidsHealth. Consequently, women can experience urination or bowel movement difficulties following a c-section. Depending upon the severity of bowel or bladder damage, additional surgery may be necessary to repair the affected organ.
Blood Clots
Surgical procedures, such as a c-section, increase a woman's risk of developing blood clots as a complication. Blood clots can form within the pelvic organs, legs or lungs of affected women, report health professionals with the March of Dimes. A blood clot within the lungs is a life-threatening medical condition and can cause severe breathing and heart complications in women.
Infant Complications
Babies naturally have fluid in their lungs while they grow and develop within a mother's uterus. When a baby is delivered vaginally, excess fluid within the lungs is expelled as the baby is pushed through the birth canal. Babies delivered by c-section may still retain fluid within their lungs. Lung fluid can increase a baby's risk of developing respiratory difficulties following birth, explain medical professionals with the Better Health Channel. A doctor may give an affected baby oxygen to help clear fluid from the lungs.
