Most don’t go through their pregnancy thinking they’ll have a c-section. This also means they are often unprepared and unfortunately, care providers regularly fail to give all the risks, both short and long-term, allowing pregnant families to make fully informed decisions.. Some c-sections are medically necessary, but it’s estimated that more than 700,000 per year aren’t. The greatest risk of c-section is early induction of labor before 41 weeks of pregnancy. This is why its so important to understand both the short and long-term risks associated with cesearean.
Short-term Risks
The immediate risks associated with C-sections are generally related to the surgical process itself, and can include:
- Infection: Infection is a risk with any surgical procedure, and C-sections are no exception. While steps are taken to minimize the risk of infection during the surgery, mothers who undergo C-sections are more likely to experience post-operative infections than those who deliver vaginally.
- Blood Loss: C-sections can result in greater blood loss than vaginal births, which can put mothers at risk for anemia and other complications.
- Injury: The surgical nature of C-sections means that there is a risk of injury to organs such as the bladder or bowel. While such injuries are rare, they can be serious and require additional surgery to repair.
- Longer Hospital Stays: Mothers who undergo C-sections generally require longer hospital stays than those who deliver vaginally, as they need time to recover from the surgery and manage any associated complications.
- Increased Risk of Respiratory Problems for the Baby: Babies born by C-section are at an increased risk of respiratory problems such as transient tachypnea, due to the lack of compression and squeezing of the chest during vaginal delivery.
Long-term Risks
In addition to the immediate risks associated with C-sections, there are also potential long-term risks that mothers and healthcare providers should be aware of. These risks can include:
- Future Pregnancy Complications: Women who have undergone C-sections are at an increased risk of experiencing complications in future pregnancies, such as placenta previa, where the placenta covers the cervix, or placenta accreta, where the placenta grows too deeply into the uterine wall.
- Reduced Fertility: Women who have undergone multiple C-sections may experience reduced fertility due to the scarring and damage that can occur to the uterus.
- Chronic Pain: Some women who have undergone C-sections may experience chronic pain in the incision site or in other areas of the body, such as the back or hips.
- Mental Health Issues: Women who undergo C-sections may be at an increased risk of experiencing postpartum depression or other mental health issues related to the trauma of the surgery and recovery.
There are also potential long-term risks for the baby. These risks can include:
- Delayed Onset of Breastfeeding: Babies born by C-section may experience a delayed onset of breastfeeding due to the anesthesia used during the surgery and the longer recovery time for the mother.
- Increased Risk of Respiratory Problems: In addition to the short-term risk of respiratory problems, babies born by C-section may also be at an increased risk of developing asthma and other respiratory conditions later in life.
- Increased Risk of Obesity: Research has shown that babies born by C-section may be at an increased risk of developing obesity later in life, possibly due to changes in gut microbiota that occur during delivery.
- Altered Immune System Development: Babies born by C-section may have altered immune system development, which can lead to an increased risk of allergies and autoimmune disorders.
It is important for expectant mothers and healthcare providers to consider both the short and long-term risks associated with C-sections when deciding on the best course of action for delivery. While C-sections can be life-saving in certain situations, they should not be used unnecessarily, and efforts should be made to minimize the risks to both the mother and baby.
Research Sources
The risks associated with C-sections are well-documented in the medical literature. Below are several sources that provide more information on this topic:
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2017). Cesarean Birth. https://www.acog.org/patient-resources/faqs/labor-delivery-and-postpartum-care/cesarean-birth
- National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. (2018). Cesarean Birth. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/cesarean/Pages/default.aspx
- World Health Organization. (2015). WHO statement on caesarean section rates. https://www.who.int/reproductivehealth/publications/maternal_perinatal_health/cs-statement/en/
- American Pregnancy Association. (2021). Cesarean Delivery: What to Expect. https://americanpregnancy.org/labor-and-birth/cesarean-delivery/
- The Lancet. (2018). Global epidemiology of use of and disparities in