Caesarean sections are generally very safe. There are many caesarean births in Ireland every day with no complications. But any type of operation can have risks. It is important to be aware of the possible risks of a caesarean.
Risks to you from a caesarean birth
There are some risks from having a caesarean birth.
These include:
- scarring
- pelvic pain that can last for weeks after surgery
- infection
- bleeding
- blood clots
- complications in future pregnancies
Scarring
A caesarean birth means the baby is born through an incision (cut) in your abdomen (tummy). It's normal to have a scar afterwards.
This is usually a horizontal scar below your belly button. In most cases, the scar is not very noticeable. It depends on how your body forms scar tissue.
In rare cases, the surgeon does a vertical (upright) incision. The scar from this is more obvious.
Pain
You may have pain and discomfort for many days after the operation. Your doctor will prescribe pain relief - take this as prescribed to help you feel better. The wound site can be sore for weeks after a caesarean birth.
Infection
As with any wound, there's a risk of infection.
Your midwife and obstetrician will tell you how to care for the wound. Your physiotherapist will show you how to protect your wound when you move, cough or laugh.
When you have a newborn baby, it can be hard to take time to look after yourself.
If you get an infection in the wound, you may need antibiotics. An infection can delay healing and leave you with a more noticeable scar.
Bleeding
It's normal to have some bleeding during the operation. If you bleed more than expected, you may need a blood transfusion. This is where you are given blood into a vein through a drip.
Your risk of needing a transfusion is higher if you have anaemia before the birth. If a blood test shows that you have anaemia, your doctor or midwife may recommend that you take an iron supplement.
Blood clots
Blood clots can form in your legs after a birth. This is known as deep venous thrombosis (DVT). The risk is higher after a caesarean birth.
If these clots travel to your lungs, they can be dangerous and even fatal.
To prevent blood clots, you need to:
- wear compression stockings after the procedure
- keep as active as possible
You may need to have heparin injections after the birth. How long you need to take heparin depends on any risk factors you have. Your doctor or midwife will discuss this with you.
Complications in future pregnancies
If you think you may have another baby in the future, talk to your doctor about giving birth again.
They can tell you about the kind of birth they would recommend.
After a caesarean birth, there can be an increased risk of complications.
These include:
- low-lying placenta (placenta praevia)
- placenta accreta (placenta stays attached to the wall of the womb)
- a tear (rupture) in your womb that can sometimes lead to stillbirth
Risks to your baby from a caesarean birth
There is a very small risk of your baby being accidentally cut during a caesarean birth. If this happens, the cut is likely to be small and not very deep. It will heal easily. A small dressing or paper adhesive stitches may be used.
Sometimes the doctors use forceps to help with your baby's birth. This can leave a mark on your baby that usually fades quickly.
Babies born by caesarean section can sometimes have breathing difficulties. Their breathing can be fast and shallow. This is called transient tachypnoea of the newborn. It is temporary.
Babies with breathing problems may need to be cared for in a special care baby unit or neonatal intensive care unit.
Neonatal intensive care and special baby care units
Risks to your baby in a future pregnancy
If you have a caesarean, there is an increased risk of a tear (rupture) in your womb during labour in the future.
A tear in the womb can lead to stillbirth. But this is very rare. Stillbirth is when a baby is delivered after 24 weeks and is not alive.
Your doctor or midwife will recommend that your baby's heartbeat is monitored during labour.
Reducing the risk of complications
Caesarean birth complications are more common if you are carrying extra weight or have obesity. Try to keep a healthy weight during your pregnancy and stay as active as possible. This will help your recovery.
