Common C-Section Complications
C-sections are a fairly routine surgery but there are common C-Section complications that can occur.
Knowing what these complications are and what causes them could help you avoid them.
1. Postpartum depression after a c-section
It’s not uncommon to suffer with postpartum depression after having a C-Section. It happens because of hormone changes.
Normal postnatal or ‘baby blues’ generally lasts about 3-10 days following birth and should subside without any treatment. However depression lasting longer than 2 weeks or includes any of the following could mean full postpartum depression and you should contact your doctor immediately.
- Strong feelings of depression, anger, doubt, guilt, or helplessness that gets worse over time
- An inability to care for themselves or their baby
- Change in appetite
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- Intense concern or perhaps no interest at all in your baby
- Suicidal thoughts
2. Bleeding after a C-Section
Some bleeding after a C-Section is normal. However heavy, persistent bleeding is not. Heavy bleeding could mean postpartum hemorrhage caused by placenta or uterine problems.
For example, the placenta can attach itself more strongly to the uterine wall preventing easy separation of the placenta after delivery causing it to bleed.
Placenta problems occur more often in women who have had at least one previous c-section or have had placenta problems in the past.
3. Incision Infection after a c-section
There are two incisions made when having a c-section, there is the external skin incision but there is also an incision into your uterus.
External incision infections occur in about 10-20% of c-section surgeries, however internal incision infection are less common, however they are sometimes more serious. The easiest infection to avoid is around the incision site. Proper and careful care can help avoid a c-section incision infection.
4. Nerve injury after a c-section
Since a c-section is surgery you will have cut nerves in your skin. The good news is these nerves will heal along with the healing of your skin; the bad news is some nerves do not heal. Symptoms can result in loss of feeling in your skin, pain in muscles or problems controlling muscles. Symptoms often go away in time but some do not and may even require additional surgeries.
* Note that nerves are cut during the c-section procedure, no muscle is cut.
5. Adverse reactions to medication after c-section
Anytime you have surgery you will receive medications. In some cases reactions to medications or anesthesia can occur causing itchiness or rashes. Serious or fatal reactions are rare, however be sure to tell your doctor about all allergies and answer questions as accurately as you can.
6. Delayed bowel function after Cesarean
This is common after surgery. If your bowel function slows after a c-section you will be given clear liquids until activity re-occurs. Once you begin passing gas this will mean normal functions are returning.
7. Blood clots following c-section
When you bleed, either inside or outside your body, you blood will clot in order to stop the flow of blood. The problem occurs if the blood clot flows away and gets stuck in blood vessels. If a clot gets stuck in an artery or vein it can block the flow of blood.
After having a c-section blood clots can occur in the veins of the leg. This is known as deep venous thrombosis. This type of clot more often occurs in extremely heavy patients or patients that don’t move soon enough after surgery; it also has a tendency to occur if you’ve had previous blood clots.
Be aware that blood clots after a c-section can move from blood vessels to your lungs causing shortness of breath known as pulmonary embolus. In such cases blood thinning medications work very well.
Today precautions are taken by fitting patients with inflatable compression devices on their legs. These devices or sleeves as they call them can help prevent thromboembolism or blood clots and should be left in place until a woman is able to walk after delivery.
8. C-Section Complications with Adhesions
All surgical procedures leave patients with adhesions or scar tissue, c-sections included. Adhesion are the internal scar tissue that forms a connection between tissues or organs.
Some patients are never bothered by them but some are. Adhesions and scar tissue can cause severe abdominal or pelvic pain and in some cases even bowel obstructions.
Treatment of adhesions depends on the seriousness of the complications. If there is significant pain or obstruction you may need another surgery, however another surgery to remove the adhesions can cause even more adhesions making the situation worse.
It’s also worth noting that having multiple c-sections increases the risk of adhesions; this is because each surgery causes more scar tissue.
For more comprehensive advice, tips and help on all of these topics, The Worry Free C-Section will advise, educate, help you avoid unnecessary risk, experience less pain and recover faster from your C-Section surgery.
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Thank you for taking the initiative to bring up the topic of c-section complications – the information you have provided is very valuable for any expectant mother who may be having this procedure. Although some complications are rare, it’s important for women to be aware of them and possible preventative measures. Your discussion of adhesions as a possible complication was very informative, but some women may not be aware that those adhesions that cause physical discomfort can only be removed through additional surgery. However, the forming of adhesions can be prevented if your doctor uses an adhesion barrier during the c-section. I am fortunate enough to know about adhesion barriers because one of my clients is the manufacturer of Seprafilm, but it is not something that is commonly discussed so that’s why I try and do my part where possible to educate women on its availability. If you’re interested I’d be happy to provide you and your readers with more information, just let me know.
Thanks again for bringing this topic to everyone’s attention!
i have severe swelling on my legs,calves,ankles,and feet its been about 2weeks since my c-section is this a common side effect of a c-section?
Lidia, swelling of your feet and even your ankles is a common side effect of having a c-section, especially if you’ve had a lot of fluids given in your IV, it can take time to work that through your system. There are women that have gone a week or more with swollen feet and legs. SInce it’s been 2 weeks for you I’d check with your doctor just to be sure. Your doctor can check your chart and history and if there are any red flags, s(he) will know.
Until then keep your legs elevated if you can, I know that’s hard with a baby but it does help.
i had a c section almost 4years ago and i’m unable to get pregnant could something have gone wrong during the c-section?
It’s not uncommon for women who have had a c-section to have trouble getting pregnant again, I had some trouble with that myself, in fact it tool almost 3 years before I could get pregnant a second time.
When I asked my doctor about it he suggested I pay extra close attention to my ovulation time. There’s like 24-48 hours or so during the time you ovulate that is the best time to get pregnant. I figured out when that time was based on my cycle. I took my temperature and tried to calculate it as close as I could. That worked and I was able to conceive a second time.
Give that a try, if you still have problems check with your doctor, he may be able to help.
I had a c-section this month, but I am worried. It’s been 4 weeks and I’ve driving and walking 1/2 mile three times in four weeks. I’ve been feeling a discomfort like pain in my scarf, and I am thinking that may be because I’ve been going all these things that I mentioned. Would somebody give me opinions please.
Hi Rosalina, Forgive me but I’m not sure where your ‘scarf’ is, I’m assuming somewhere in your midsection. This could be from a number of things, it’s hard to tell. I would continue walking but hold off on driving or lifting. Try giving this some more time. If the pain persists check with your doctor.
I had a c-section a week ago. I was feeling good, but am now getting a sharp burning pain on the left side of my abdomen. Not sure if I just need more recovery time, but it’s not a soreness, it’s more of a sharp pain that doesn’t feel right to me. Any comments?
Kristy, this could be any number of things, it could be an infection or it could be from increased activity. It’s hard to tell but you should check with your doctor. I sharp burning pain means there’s something going on and you need to find out what it is.
I HAD A C-SECTION TWO MONTHS AGO. NOW I HAVE ABDOMINAL PAIN ALMOST A MONTH. ULTRASOUND SHOWS COLLECTION OF FLUID (PROBABLY BLOOD) IN THE UTERUS. MAY I KNOW WHAT COULD THE REASON? AND WHAT IS THE TREAMENT? HOW THE FLUID CAN BE REMOVED?
I had a c/sec 10days ago n I’ve bin feeling lightheaded n shortness of breath sumtyms n I’ve got headach also,wat could be da problem?
i had a c section recently and my scar bleeds is that normal
Hi Alex, Ideally you don’t want your incision to bleed, but if you’re exerting yourself and it pulls apart, it could bleed a little.
Be sure to keep it clean and dry, you don’t want it to get infected. If it’s bleeding a lot or looks red, call your doctor immediately.
Hi Malebo, I can’t say what the problem is. I’d prefer if you called your doctor. Being light headed and having shortness of breath is not normal. Your doctor should take a look at you.
Hi its 7months since my c-section I got heamatoma week after it and naw since having baby I’m bloating a lot and having bowel problems is it linked to section or something else
i had a c section about 2 1/2 weeks ago and i haveasore enderness in my abdoman and have a large lump on the right side next to my scar is that normal its my first c section…people r sayingits scar tissue but that big?
hi . i had a C section 3 Months back. when ever i am holding my baby upright and when he kicks..it pains . i referred to a doc and she told me that internal stitches takes time. what can be done to reduce the pain and how much time is needed for internal stitches to get dissolve.
Hi Shagun, Time is really the only option here. Try not to hold your baby upright if you can, I know that may be hard but it should be temporary or long enough to let your internal incision heal. Internal incisions could take 6 months or more to where they are completely healed. For some women it just takes longer unfortunately.
i had a c-section12 weeks ago and the last week or so my cut has been burning and hurting off and on like it did when i woke up from surgary. can you tell me what it might be.?
Hi Sarah, You may have irritated, pulled or stretched your internal stitches. Have you done any unusual stretching or pulling? If the pain does not subside I’d check with your doctor.
I had an emergency C Section on 01.07.2009, yet to this day (nearly 2 and a half years later), intercourse is still painful where the c section cut is. I also feel pain constantly during the day where the c section cut is. Please could someone advise. My husband thinks that I am not interested, when it is simply i do not like pain.
Hi Gigi, pain when having intercourse is generally real and in fact, it should not be ignored
You could have endometriosis, which means that endometrium tissues are found outside the uterus and can cause pain. Here’s more on that::
http://ehealthmd.com/content/what-endometriosis
Or you could have adhesions. These are fibers that resulted from having abdominal surgery, these fibers can adhere to other organs and tissues causing pain. Here’s more on that as well:
http://worry-free-c-section.com/blog/230/c-section-adhesions-scar-tissue/
I wish I had an answer other than going to the doctor but it’s not healthy to ignore these pains and you should really find out what they are attributed to. I hope it gets better for you
hi,,,
i am v.stressed and cries a lot am even afraid its going to affect the fetus.
Am 36wks 3days today, i’v bn havin a severe pelvic girdle pain since the 13wks, i basicali cannot do anything on my own. I also hav terrible hemorhoids which bleed everytime i defeacate. I’ve bn using all sorts of oitment and suppositeries wit no luck.
My OB denies me an opportunity to giv birth by c-section. He says he wont do it without an indication. Said pelvic pain and hemorhoids are nt indication for c-section.
I really dnt knw what to do. *stressed and confused*
Hi Nana,
For the Pelvic girdle pain here are some things to try:
– Use a heating pad for the painful muscles or joints
– Try wearing a pelvic girdle or an abdominal binder, here’s one that I recommend, it can provide support for your belly and relief to your pelvic areas.
– Choose a comfortable sleeping position during pregnancy — lie on your side with a pillow between your knees to keep hips aligned.
– If pain is severe, talk to your doctor about safe pain relievers or muscle relaxers.
As for having a C-Section, that’s going to have to be up to your doctor, however you can get pain relief at the time of birth in the form of an epidural.
I had my c section about 4weeks ago and im starting to feel burning on my left side and sometimes i get light headed any comments ….
Hi, i had an emergency c-section a year ago but my baby died after one day in the nicu bcos of internal complications. I really want another child. How long should i wait to start trying again? I will be 38 years old in a few months. A gynae said to wait 2 years, but my panel doc said a year is enough..
Hi, I had a c-section 10 weeks ago with no complications. I’ve been to my gynae for my 6-week check up. Just above my scar I have a ball size tissue which is not painful at all. I asked my gynae about it and she says that it’s just tissue which will eventually go away. Do you have any idea as to how long it can take before this tissue disappears? This was my second c-section and I never experienced this after my first delivery.
Hey Cindy, It can be different for everyone. For some women it can take a few months for others it can take almost a year or even more …sorry
Some women have even asked to have them removed should they have another C-Section. But don’t be discouraged, this tissue mass usually does go away, but it can be very slow.
It has been over a year since my c section but from time to time the scar opens back up and a fowl smelling bloody discharge comes out. The hole does close back up but what could be causing this? Please Help!
Jessica, something is keeping the incision from closing completely and of course each time it opens it’s getting infected.
I suggest calling your doctor, a year is much too long to be having this problem. You may find that the remedy is simple, but if you keep waiting to get treatment it could cause other complications.
Am 2 months pp since i gave birth via c section.i fear having sex with my husband being on top because i fear that my scar will open.please help.
Hi Peris, here’s some ideas that may help:
http://worry-free-c-section.com/blog/1146/how-to-have-safe-sex-after-c-section/