Having a C-section is a safe procedure. The rate of complications is very low. However, there are some risks, including infection of the bladder or uterus, injury to the urinary tract, and injury to the baby. A C-section may also cause problems in future pregnancies.
A caesarean section is generally a very safe procedure, but like any type of surgery it does carry a risk of complications. The level of risk will depend on things such as whether the procedure is planned or carried out as an emergency, and your general health.
Having a C-section increases the risk of complications in a later pregnancy and in other surgeries. The more C-sections, the higher the risks of placenta previa and a condition in which the placenta becomes attached to the wall of the uterus (placenta accreta).
"Overall, delivery is safe," senior study author Dr. Catherine Deneux-Tharaux of INSERM in Paris said by email. "However, in a minority of cases, severe complications can occur in the mother during or soon after the delivery. This happens in about 1.5 percent of deliveries and the main cause is major hemorrhage."
In most cases, you'll recover easily and quickly (within 6 to 8 weeks) and have just a small scar. Sometimes, you can do everything right and still have complications.
Returning to Physical Activities After a C-Section
It's important to get out of bed and walk around within 24 hours after surgery. This can help ease gas pains, help you have a bowel movement, and prevent blood clots.
The average hospital stay after a C-section is 2 to 4 days, and keep in mind recovery often takes longer than it would from a vaginal birth. Walking after the C-section is important to speed recovery and pain medication may be supplied too as recovery takes place.
You might need to plan a C-section if you're pregnant with two or more babies or if you have a medical condition or infection. If you run into an emergency during labor, you may also need a C-section.
Overuse of c-sections matters because, while often lifesaving in limited circumstances, the surgery also brings serious risks for babies (such as higher rates of infection, respiratory complications, and neonatal intensive care unit stays, as well as lower breastfeeding rates) and for mothers (such as higher rates of ...
What is a 'gentle C-section'? A “gentle C-section” brings elements of a vaginal delivery into the operating room – such as letting the mother watch the birth and hold her newborn right away. A C-section is major surgery. We can't forget that. But we may be able to take a more patient-centered approach.
Under certain circumstances, a C-section birth is the safest option for the mother and child.” These circumstances may include: A large baby that won't fit through the vaginal canal. Problems with a woman's placenta, which can cause dangerous bleeding during birth.
Try to relax, meditate, and stay positive. It can be hard to control your worries before a C-section. But deep-breathing exercises can help you stay calm and focused. You can learn these and other ways to relax in childbirth classes.
Vaginal birth is much safer than a C-section for most women and babies. Sometimes a C-section is the only safe option, like when the baby is positioned side-to-side in the belly (transverse lie) or the placenta is covering the cervix (placenta previa).
Women are three times more likely to die during a cesarean delivery than during a vaginal birth, due mostly to blood clots, infections and complications from anesthesia, according to a 2006 study published in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology.
It could take up to 8 weeks for you to get back into your normal routine. Ask your doctor when it's fine to exercise, go back to work, and drive. Also wait to have sex or use tampons until your doctor gives you the green light. Avoid strenuous exercise, but do take gentle walks as often as you can.
Most C-sections are unplanned because the need for one doesn't present itself until much closer to labor, or during it. In these cases, moms have been planning for a vaginal birth. But a few weeks, days or even hours before delivery, mom and their doctor decide that a C-section is the safest option.
Risks of haemorrhage in future pregnancies from
The risk increases with the number of caesarean sections and can lead to life-threatening haemorrhage and caesarean hysterectomy. Possible higher risk of placental separation and haemorrhage during future pregnancy.
The baby's position
Doctors often recommend a c-section if the baby is breech or transverse. A baby is breech when it's positioned to come out with its feet first instead of the head. A transverse presentation means the baby is lying sideways, with its arm or back facing the vaginal opening.
“It's recommended that you get up and walk around,” says Dr. Higgins. “We don't want someone lying in bed for two weeks.”
How Long Does a Cesarean Surgery Take? Though every woman's situation is unique, the delivery of a baby via cesarean may take as little as 15 to 20 minutes, with a further 45 minutes needed to stitch up the uterus and abdominal incision.
Walking after c-section is encouraged and should be your go to for the first few weeks. You'll start to notice day to day movement getting easier and less discomfort lifting baby or moving around.