Today, more women than ever before opt to plan and schedule cesarean sections. There’s a myriad of reasons for this, including the woman’s health, the baby’s health and (for some) convenience.
In other situations, C-sections aren’t part of a birth plan. This is typically when an emergency occurs. However, regardless of why you have a C-section, knowing what may go wrong is important. This is a surgery, and there are risks.
Here, you can learn about some of the most common risks of cesarean sections.
Risks and complications related to C-sections
Understanding the risks of a C-section can help you decide if this is the best option for you and your baby. These risks include the following:
- Blood clots
- Reaction to the anesthesia used
- Hemorrhaging
- Injuries caused during the surgery to your intestines or bladder
- Post-surgical infections
The long-term risks of C-sections
The above represents the immediate risks related to C-sections. Unfortunately, they don’t stop there. After having a C-section, you may experience complications if you become pregnant again. While this doesn’t happen to everyone, it is a potential risk and something to be aware of when deciding your birth plan.
Having a C-section can also increase breathing issues for your baby. During traditional vaginal delivery, a baby’s lungs are cleared of fluid. This doesn’t happen during the C-section. Your baby may also be accidentally scraped or nicked when the incision is made for the C-section.
Protecting your rights
If you experience any issue related to your C-section, it’s important to consider if it was due to negligence by the medical staff. If so, you can file a medical malpractice lawsuit and recover compensation for your injuries and losses. Knowing your rights and how medical malpractice works will help you determine if you have a case.
