Cesarean section

Cesarean section, also known as C-section or Cesarean birth, involves surgically delivering a baby by making an incision in both the mother’s abdomen and uterus. Healthcare professionals opt for this method when they determine it to be a safer choice for the well-being of the mother, the baby, or both. The incision on the skin can take the form of an up-and-down (vertical) cut.

Cesarean sections, like other major surgeries, come with inherent risks for both mothers and babies.

Risks to babies may include:

Breathing problems, particularly transient tachypnea, where babies born via scheduled C-section are more prone to rapid breathing for a few days after birth.
Surgical injury, albeit rare, can result in accidental nicks to the baby’s skin during the procedure.
Risks to mothers may involve:

Infection, posing a potential risk of developing infections in the uterus lining (endometritis), urinary tract, or at the incision site after a C-section.
Blood loss, with the procedure carrying the possibility of significant bleeding during and after delivery.
Reactions to anesthesia, as with any surgical procedure, there exists a potential for adverse reactions.
Blood clots, with a C-section potentially elevating the risk of deep vein thrombosis, especially in the legs or pelvis, and if a clot travels to the lungs (pulmonary embolism), it can be life-threatening.
Surgical injury, though rare, could include damage to the bladder or bowel during a C-section.
Increased risks during future pregnancies, as having a C-section raises the likelihood of complications in subsequent pregnancies, such as placenta previa and placenta accreta, where the placenta attaches to the uterine wall.
Uterine rupture, an increased risk for women attempting a vaginal delivery in later pregnancies, particularly along the scar line from the previous C-section.

Cesarean section, also known as C-section or Cesarean birth, involves surgically delivering a baby by making an incision in both the mother’s abdomen and uterus. Healthcare professionals opt for this method when they determine it to be a safer choice for the well-being of the mother, the baby, or both. The incision on the skin can take the form of an up-and-down (vertical) cut.

Cesarean sections, like other major surgeries, come with inherent risks for both mothers and babies.

Risks to babies may include:

Breathing problems, particularly transient tachypnea, where babies born via scheduled C-section are more prone to rapid breathing for a few days after birth.

Surgical injury, albeit rare, can result in accidental nicks to the baby’s skin during the procedure.

Risks to mothers may involve:

Infection, posing a potential risk of developing infections in the uterus lining (endometritis), urinary tract, or at the incision site after a C-section.

Blood loss, with the procedure carrying the possibility of significant bleeding during and after delivery.

Reactions to anesthesia, as with any surgical procedure, there exists a potential for adverse reactions.

Blood clots, with a C-section potentially elevating the risk of deep vein thrombosis, especially in the legs or pelvis, and if a clot travels to the lungs (pulmonary embolism), it can be life-threatening.

Surgical injury, though rare, could include damage to the bladder or bowel during a C-section.

Increased risks during future pregnancies, as having a C-section raises the likelihood of complications in subsequent pregnancies, such as placenta previa and placenta accreta, where the placenta attaches to the uterine wall.

Uterine rupture, an increased risk for women attempting a vaginal delivery in later pregnancies, particularly along the scar line from the previous C-section.

Opting for a vaginal birth:

Opting for a vaginal birth is generally considered safer and healthier for most women, as it reduces the risk of various complications. Advantages of a vaginal birth include:

Lower risk of needing a blood transfusion:

Vaginal birth decreases the likelihood of requiring a blood transfusion.

Reduced risk of postpartum infection:

The overall risk of postpartum infections, including uterine infections, is lower with a vaginal birth. In the event of an infection, the need for hospitalization within the first two months after birth may be minimized.

Lower risk of internal uterine scarring:

Vaginal birth decreases the chances of developing internal uterine scarring, which could otherwise lead to fertility issues or complications in future births. Potential risks like ectopic pregnancy or improper placental attachment are reduced, and there’s a lower likelihood of complications such as intestinal blockage or bladder injury associated with C-sections.

Considerations for pelvic floor muscles:

While a vaginal birth may cause injuries to the pelvic floor muscles, leading to potential bladder and bowel control problems, it’s crucial to weigh this against the risks associated with other delivery methods. In some cases, these issues may necessitate surgical intervention.