A cesarean section, commonly referred to as a C-section, is performed when a vaginal birth is considered not safe or possible for the mother or child. A surgical incision is made in the lower abdomen, enabling delivery of the baby. A C-section is considered safe, but, like all types of surgery, complications can develop.
Risk of Infection
A mother undergoing a C-section can develop endometritis. This complication can cause inflammation and infection of the membrane lining the uterus. This type of infection is characterized by a fever, chills, back pain, foul-smelling vaginal discharge and uterine pain. Antibiotics are needed to treat the infection.
The incision site may become infected. If this occurs, the wound area usually opens and drains pus.
Infections in the urinary tract may occur and could be in the bladder or kidneys.
Blood Loss
Excessive blood loss occurs more frequently with C-sections than with vaginal births, as reported by the Mayo Clinic. Blood transfusions may be indicated if the loss is too great, although it's rare.
Bowel Mobility
C-sections may cause complications by interfering with bowel mobility. Surgery in the abdominal area decreases bowel function by slowing the movement of fecal material through the intestines. Pain medication that is given can also affect bowel function by causing constipation and further problems.
Anesthesia Complications
Regional anesthesia is administered to women before a C-section is performed. This may cause headaches because of a leak of fluid around the spinal canal into tissues located in the back. More serious complications may occur, including an allergic reaction to the anesthesia or breathing problems.
Future Pregnancy Problems
C-sections may pose risks to future pregnancies and can cause serious complications. Problems pertaining to the location of the placenta may happen. The placenta can grow into the muscle of the uterus and may have trouble when trying to separate from the uterus after the baby is born, causing what is called placenta accreta. A C-section may affect the position of a fetus in future pregnancies. Uterine rupture along the scar line from a previous C-section can also occur.
Breathing Problems in Baby
Babies born by C-section are more likely to develop complications with breathing. The breathing during the first days after birth is abnormally fast and is called transient tachypnea. Babies born before 39 weeks gestation and haven't reached proper lung maturity are at risk for developing other breathing complications, such as respiratory distress syndrome.
