Nothing that happens in hospital comes without risk. Giving birth is a natural happening that too comes with risk, but most babies are born healthy and the moms are okay too. However, if you choose to have a c section, or you have to have one for some reason, your risks go up. There are c section risks that you have to consider. When you baby is in danger you may not have much of a choice, but there are things that can happen. If you are considering an elective c section, think about the risks before you proceed.
A c section, like anything else that involves opening the body, is a surgical procedure. There are always risks associated with any type of surgery. C sections may seem routine these days, but that is not always the case. One of the biggest c section risks is infection. Some women have a hard time caring for themselves with a newborn, and it is extra hard after a c section. The risk of infection is higher than with natural, vaginal birth, so ask your doctor what to watch for and what to do if you fear you may have developed an infection. It is a good idea for those helping you after birth to also know what to watch for, as they may notice problems before you do.
C section risks also include things going wrong with the incision. If you are not careful, your incision can pop open before it has had a chance to heal. This often happens when women become too active too fast after they have had this procedure. Just as with a natural birth, your body needs time to heal. Some women think because they did not have a vaginal birth that it is okay to resume sexual activity right away. That is never a good idea. Your doctor will give you guidelines and it is in your best interest to follow them for your own safety.
This may not fall under the category of c section risks in the way of health, but this is something to consider before an elective c section. When you give birth this way, you have to have a stronger anesthetic. For the most part, you will get a spinal block that leaves you numb from the waist down. This is stronger than the common epidural that many women get. This means you will be laid up much longer after the c section and may not be able to see your baby as soon. If your baby is taken for further evaluation or to the NICU, you may have to wait hours as apposed to a few minutes or a half an hour before you can safely get up and move.
Lastly, c section risks also include never being able to have a vaginal birth in the future. Some doctors feel that the risk of the old scar opening up while a woman pushes is too high and they will not attend a vaginal birth after c section (otherwise called VBAC). Extensive damage and hemorrhage could occur. Though many woman have a VBAC and are just fine, some hospitals simply will not allow it. If you feel you want to have a VBAC, you may have to search out a doctor that will work with you.