Complications of A C-section

Having a c-section today is one of the most commonly performed surgeries and for most women is very safe.  However, complications resulting from having a c-section are not unusual, after all a c-section  is major surgery and the very nature of surgery indicates risk and/or possible complications.

C-section complications can include bleeding, infection, blood clots, and blood vessel damage, and if you have diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, hepatitis, seizure disorders, heart disease, lung disorders, or kidney disease, your risk of complications increase.

Incision infection due to the breaking open of the incision
Anytime you have an incision there is the possibility of infection.  That's why it's very important to take extra care when dealing with your incision. Harsh, fast movement should be avoided and extra careful cleaning is a must.

Urinary tract infection
When you have a c-section you will be administered an urinary catheter before the surgery.  When the catheter is removed after your surgery it is sometimes difficult to urinate and some women may get a urinary tract infection.  This doesn't happen to all women but it is a possibility.  If you experience burning when urinating, be sure you call your doctor immediately. 

Bowel activity stops
Your bowel activity generally slows down after major abdominal surgery, however bowel activity generally returns in a day or two and doesn't typically carry with it any major complications.

Abnormal or painful scar
Your incision is going to hurt. There's not way around that.  Medications will be given to ease the pain and overall pain will subside in a few days.  The hardest part is caring and breastfeeding your baby while you have a painful incision.  Complications are minimal as long as you can avoid infection and breaking open of the incision. 

Painful Gas
Some women have painful gas after their c-section and some do not.  If you experience gas pains after eating or constipation, check with your doctor, there are a few things they can do to help relieve the discomfort.

Trouble Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding after having a c-section can be hard because it can be painful to lay your baby on your stomach.  Positioning yourself can also be hard due to incision pain, however as you breastfeed more you'll begin to find positions that work well, such as laying baby beside you instead of on you to feed.

Also sometimes your milk can be slow to come in after having a c-section, however with good planning and a littler perseverance, this stumbling block can easily be overcome.  Make it a point to use your hospitals lactation consultant.  
 

Major C-Section Complications

Postpartum Hemorrhage
A Hemorrhage can occur after having a c-section.   This is rare however, but a possibility. Uncontrollable bleeding or damage to a major blood vessel are possible complications of this procedure. The causes can vary, and sometimes bleeding even stops by itself. But if it doesn't stop right away, your surgeon may have to spend additional time in the operating room to correct the cause. If bleeding continues or increases after your c-section, another surgery may be needed.

The baby can be born prematurely
If the c-section is scheduled (without labor), the date should be chosen carefully.  You want to be sure your baby's lungs are ready.  If they are not there can be breathing problems.  A scheduled c-section should be around 39 weeks, if your doctor schedules it before then, be sure you know why. 

Also keep in mind that you are at a higher risk for complications if you are overweight, use drugs or alcohol or smoke.