C-Section Recovery, Health & Preparation

A c-section requires delivering a baby surgically, of course as with any surgery there are risks, some risks are minor yet some may be more severe.

The biggest issue surrounding c-sections today is that approximately 1 in 3 mothers have their baby by c-section. That’s a lot!  There are certainly medical reasons that justify having a cesarean but we’re also seeing many c-sections being performed by choice. Choosing to have a c-section can stem from meeting personal deadlines, work schedules or convenience. This has been on both the part of the doctor and the mother. 

Don’t get me wrong, I am not against performing c-sections; I’ve dedicated my book, the Worry Free C-Section to the topic of helping women prepare, get through and recover from a cesarean in the easiest, stress-free way possible, however awareness is important.        

C-Sections ARE necessary and many a life has been saved by them, however as safe as the procedure is, there are risks and every mother should know what they are and understand them.  So let’s discuss what them:

Increased bleeding, possibly requiring a transfusion
Blood loss is normal with a c-section and is expected any time there is surgery.  There have been instances that required a blood transfusion; however this is a very rare occurrence.  

Injuries to the bowel or bladder
Because the uterus is so close to the bowel and the bladder area, injury can occur but this is also very rare but there have been a number of cases reported.  It is very likely however is that your bowels will slow down after the surgery which often results in bloating, gas and discomfort.

Infection on or around the incision
Many women experience infection in their incision. This is fairly common but not life threatening.  Careful precautions must be taken to ensure infection does not set in, otherwise your recovery can much longer and your discomfort will be greater. 

Blood clots in legs, pelvic organs or lungs
Blood clots are possible complications of a c-section and they most commonly occur in the leg, but in rare cases, blood clots can move to the lungs, causing a condition called pulmonary embolus. Blood clots are best prevented by getting up and moving around as soon after surgery as possible. 

What are the Risks to your baby?

Surgical cuts
A c-section may cause a baby to be accidentally cut or nicked during the surgery. These cuts are generally minor but they can happen.

Respiratory problems
Studies have shown that a c-section baby born before the 39th week of pregnancy is at greater risk for mild to serious lung and breathing problems.  Having a c-section alone presents the likelihood of respiratory problems for baby but the risk increases with planned c-sections before the 39th week.

Breastfeeding problems
Moms who give birth by cesarean will find that their milk takes longer to come in.  On top of the slow milk production is added challenge that c-section babies don’t breastfeed as readily as vaginally born babies.  Although the epidural and spinal anesthesia are not harmful to the baby, it often makes baby sleepy and lethargic. This makes breastfeeding a challenge for mom. It’s not something that can’t be overcome, but it’s a challenge nonetheless.