Common C-Section Complications
If you are expecting to have a C-section there are a few complications you will want to be aware of.
These are both common and rare complications that can occur following a c-section, however staying aware of these complications and understanding what causes them could help you avoid them.
Postpartum depression after a c-section
Postpartum depression after a c-section is common, they happen because of hormone changes. Normal post natal or ‘baby blues’ last 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
Bleeding after a c-section
During your c-section recovery some bleeding is normal. However heavy, persistent bleeding is not.
This 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Adhesions following c-sections
All surgical procedures leave patients with adhesions or scar tissue. Adhesion are the internal scar tissue that forms a connection between tissues or organs. Some patients are never bothered by them but others are. Adhesions can form a connection between the uterus, fallopian tubes, bladder, intestines or other organs. 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. Having multiple c-sections increases the risk of adhesions; this is because each surgery causes more scar tissue.
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.