According to New York University's Langone Medical Center, 15 to 40 percent of births in the United States are delivered by Cesarean section (C-section). The surgery is normally safe, with the estimated risk of death less than one in 2,500. This risk level is characterized by Penn State Hershey Medical Center as "extremely low." Even so, as with any surgery, complications can arise.
Excess bleeding
C-sections usually cause about twice as much blood loss as vaginal births. Sometimes, excess uncontrolled bleeding can occur. The treatment depends on the source of the bleeding, but it sometimes requires surgeons to spend extra time during the procedure to correct the problem. Blood transfusions can be given, but surgeons have found that it's sometimes preferable to allow the body to replace the blood on its own without a transfusion.
Infection
Cesarean section takes its name from the Latin "to cut." Because the procedure involves cutting open the body, the uterus and nearby organs, such as the kidney or bladder, can become infected. The urinary tract can also be injured during a C-section, leading to infection. Physicians can use antibiotics to fight any resulting infections.
Organ damage
In addition to infection, other organs in the pelvic region can sometimes be damaged by C-section surgery and may require additional surgery to repair. The types of surgeries sometimes needed after C-sections include hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) or bladder repair.
Adverse reactions to anesthesia
Sometimes mothers can have a negative reaction to the anesthesia or other medicines used during the surgery. C-sections are usually performed under regional anesthesia--a spinal block that numbs the lower part of the body--which has a low risk for complications. It can also be done with general anesthesia--drugs that put the mother to sleep. According to the American Medical Association, general anesthesia is associated with several possible complications, such as low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, heart attack, nausea and inhibited breathing.
Decreased bowel function
The large and small intestines sometimes slow down for several days after surgery. This can result in bloating and discomfort. Clear liquids are given to the mother until bowel function returns, or laxatives are given to stimulate bowel function.
Problems with future pregnancies
C-sections can put future pregnancies at higher risk for placenta previa, where the placenta implants in the lower part of the uterus, near or covering the cervix; or placenta accrete, where the placenta grows into the muscle of the uterus and has trouble separating after the birth of the baby. Mothers are also at higher risk for uterine rupture.
References
- Lagone Medical Center
- Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
- "Encyclopedia of Medicine;" The American Medical Association; 1989
