As with any surgical procedure, there are risks of C-Section complications. It is important to know and understand your risks before having a cesarean procedure. A good understanding will help you in your discussions with your health care provider and help you make informed decisions.
C-Section Complications for Mother and Baby
Cesarean Complications and Risks for Mother
Take into account that most of the following risks are associated with any type of abdominal surgery.
. Infection: Infection can occur at the incision site, in the uterus and in other pelvic organs such as the bladder.
. Hemorrhage or increased blood loss: There is more blood loss in a cesarean delivery than with a vaginal delivery. This can lead to anemia or a blood transfusion (1 to 6 women per 100 require a blood transfusion).
. Injury to organs: Possible injury to organs such as the bowel or bladder.
. Blood clots. A C-section might increase your risk of developing a blood clot inside a deep vein, especially in the legs or pelvic organs (deep vein thrombosis). If a blood clot travels to your lungs and blocks blood flow (pulmonary embolism), the damage can be life-threatening.
. Adhesions: Scar tissue may form inside the pelvic region causing blockage and pain. Adhesions can also lead to future pregnancy complications such as placenta previa or placental abruption.
. Extended hospital stay: After a cesarean, the normal stay in the hospital is 3-5 days after birth, if there are no complications.
. Extended recovery time: The amount of time needed for recovery after a cesarean can range from weeks to months. Extended recovery can have an impact on bonding time with your baby (1 in 14 reports incisional pain six months or more after surgery).
. Reactions to medications: There can be a negative reaction to the anesthesia given during a cesarean or negative reaction to pain medication given after the procedure.
. Risk of additional surgeries: Includes possible hysterectomy, bladder repair or another cesarean.
. Maternal mortality: The maternal mortality rate for a cesarean is higher than with a vaginal birth.
. Emotional reactions: Some women who have had a cesarean report feeling negative about their birth experience and may have trouble with initial bonding with their baby.
Risks and Complications for the Baby
. Premature birth: If gestational age was not calculated correctly, a baby delivered by cesarean could be delivered too early and have low birth weight.
. Breathing problems: When delivered by cesarean, a baby is more likely to have breathing and respiratory problems. Some studies show the existence of a greater need for assistance with breathing and immediate care after a cesarean than with a vaginal delivery.
. Asthma: Several studies have reported an association between cesarean delivery and the later development of asthma.
. Low APGAR scores: Low APGAR scores can be the result of anesthesia, fetal distress before the delivery or lack of stimulation during delivery (Vaginal birth provides natural stimulation to the baby while in the birth canal). Babies born by cesarean are 50% more likely to have lower APGAR scores than those born vaginally.
. Failure to Breastfeed: Babies delivered by cesarean were less likely to be breastfed compared with those who were delivered vaginally, and this effect seemed to be stronger for those delivered by unplanned cesareans. Mothers who underwent planned or unplanned cesarean deliveries were nearly twice as likely to have breastfeeding difficulties compared with those who delivered vaginally.
. Trauma: Babies delivered by cesarean are also at risk of trauma, most commonly as the result of surgical cuts, particularly during emergency deliveries.
. Fetal injury: Very rarely, the baby may be nicked or cut during the incision (on average, 1 or 2 babies per 100 will be cut during the surgery).
If your health care provider has suggested a cesarean and you are in a non-emergency situation, take time to thoroughly discuss your options regarding the procedure.
. Find out why a cesarean procedure has been recommended in your situation.
. Ask for any alternatives that might be an option in your particular situation.
. Have your health care provider do a comparison of all the possible risks and complications for you and your baby for a cesarean versus a regular birth.
. Get information regarding the standard procedures after a cesarean (i.e., when you can hold your baby if the newborn evaluation can be done with the baby on your chest, how soon you can try to breastfeed, whether you will be given medication that will make you drowsy after the delivery).
About Iranian Surgery
Iranian surgery is an online medical tourism platform where you can find the best obstetricians in Iran. The price of a C-Section in Iran can vary according to each individual’s case and will be determined based on in-person assessment with the doctor. So if you are looking for the cost of C-Section in Iran, you can contact us and get free consultation from Iranian surgery.