What Are the C-Section Complications for Baby?
When a mom thinks about having a c-section she often thinks about the complications presented to her, and that’s normal because mom is the one most at risk for complications, but it’s also important to note that there are complications that can arise for baby as well.
Let’s look at them:
Respiratory Problems
It’s important to point out that the experience of a vaginal birth provides natural benefits to your baby. For example, babies that experienced labor before the cesarean delivery have a 20% less chance of having respiratory problems than do babies who experienced no labor.
That’s because babies born vaginally experience natural hormones that aid them in the birthing process, specifically they aid in the event of oxygen loss. Consequently, C-section babies that don’t benefit from these hormones are exposed to more respiratory difficulties. This is not true for all c-section babies but it is a risk.
Low Apgar scores
When baby is born they go through a series of tests call the APGAR, which means baby is graded on the following:
Activity - motion, muscle tone and overall activity
Pulse rate - pulse rate is taken and evaluated
Grimace - Response to catheter placed in nose ( a cough or sneeze is good!)
Appearance - Baby’s overall skin color
Respiration - Baby’s breathing evaluated
Cesarean babies sometimes have lower APGAR scores mostly due to the fact that they are more susceptible to breathing difficulties.
Risk of nicks or cuts
This is also very rare; however an occasional nick or small prick can happen to baby.
