The Benefits & Risks of Having A C-Section
When you give birth by C-section you go through a major operation. It’s generally very safe but, as with any type of surgery, there are risks involved with the process, which will be discussed with you to help you make an informed choice. There are also many benefits associated with having a C-section too.
In this article we’ll look at the risks and benefits of giving birth by c-section and what they mean to you.
(A) C-Section Risks
1. Longer stay in hospital
As a C-section is a major operation, you won’t be able to go home as quickly as you often would with a vaginal delivery. You can expect to stay in hospital for around four days, and possibly longer, after a C-section. (See 1.)
2. Infection
There is the risk of infection during the operation, but also the risk of infection of your wound post-operation. This is quite common, although the risk is reduced by proper wound care. (See 2.)
3. Excessive bleeding
This is uncommon, but if it happens during your operation, you may need a blood transfusion, or sometimes further surgery to stop the bleeding. (See 3.)
4. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Deep Vein Thrombosis is described as a blood clot in your leg. It’s rare but can cause swelling and pain and is dangerous if it travels up to your lungs. (See 4.)
5. Organ damage
On rare occasions, a C-section may result in damage to your bladder, or the tubes that connect your bladder and kidneys. If this happens you may need further surgery. (See 5.)
6. Risks to your baby
It’s quite common for a baby’s skin to be nicked during the operation, although this should heal quickly. Baby breathing problems are also common, especially if your baby is born before 39 weeks, but it normally improves after your baby has been in hospital for a few days. (See 6.)
7. Risks associated with previous c-sections
If you have previously given birth by C-section, it will be a more difficult and longer operation, with dangers relating to placenta and old scar tissue opening up. (See 7.)
Further Information on C-Section Risks:
1. NHS – Caesarean section risks https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/caesarean section/risks/ Accessed on 28/03/23
2. NHS – Caesarean section risks https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/caesarean-section/risks/ Accessed on 28/03/23
3. NHS – Caesarean section risks https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/caesarean-section/risks/ Accessed on 28/03/23
4. NHS – Caesarean section risks https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/caesarean-section/risks/ Accessed on 28/03/23
5. NHS – Caesarean section risks https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/caesarean-section/risks/ Accessed on 28/03/23
6. NHS – Caesarean section risks https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/caesarean-section/risks/ Accessed on 28/03/23
7. NCT - Planning a repeat caesarean birth https://www.nct.org.uk/labour-birth/different-types-birth/caesarean-birth/planning-repeat-caesarean-birth Accessed on 28/03/23
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(B) C-Section Benefits
1. Safety
If your medical team recommends a C-section – at any stage of your pregnancy or labour – they are doing so because, in your case, it is the safest option for you and/or your baby. (See 1.)
2. Less pain during delivery
Vaginal delivery can be painful, but you will have a local anaesthetic for a C-section that means you will just feel a bit of tugging and pulling. (See 2.)
3. Reduced risk of pelvic floor damage
C-section birth has a lower risk of pelvic floor damage, which can sometimes lead to urinary incontinence and other complications. (See 3.)
4. Reduced risk of sphincter damage
During a vaginal delivery there is the risk of the sphincter muscles become stretched and damaged, which may lead to bowel incontinence. This can happen with a forceps delivery, but can also be due to a big baby, or a long labour. (See 4.)
5. You have greater control
When your C-section is planned in advance, it gives you greater control over the whole process. You know exactly when you are going into hospital and that you’ll be in for a few days, so you can plan accordingly. (See 5.)
Further Information on C-Section Benefits:
1. NHS - Caesarean section https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/caesarean-section/ Accessed on 25/03/23
2. Tommy’s - What happens during a c-section?
https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/giving-birth/caesarean-section/what-happens-during-c-section Accessed on 27/3/23
3. National Library of Medicine - Pelvic floor: vaginal or caesarean delivery? A review of systematic reviews -
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33068134/#:~:text=Conclusion%3A%20When%20compared%20with%20vaginal,incontinence%20and%20pelvic%20organ%20prolapse. Accessed on 28/03/23
4. NHS inform – Bowel incontinence https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/stomach-liver-and-gastrointestinal-tract/bowel-incontinence#causes-of-bowel-incontinence Accessed on 28/03/23
5. NHS - Caesarean section https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/caesarean-section/ Accessed on 25/03/23