C-Section Side Effects: Are you At Risk for These Common C-Section Side Effects?

Are you preparing for a C-Section?

You might be worried about complications.  Here's everything you need to know about C-Section side effects so you can be completely prepared on your way to a speedy recovery for you and your baby.

It's no secret that recovery from a C-section takes longer than recovery from a vaginal birth. And like other types of major surgery, C-sections also carry a risk of complications. 

Having said that, C-Section is a common procedure with a high rate of success.  In general, most recoveries are fast and the occurrence of complications is very low.  However, some complications can arise -- and you need to be aware of them.

Risks to your baby include: 

1. Breathing problems.

   Babies born by C-section are more likely to develop a breathing problem marked by abnormally fast breathing during the first few days after birth (transient tachypnea). Elective C-sections done before 39 weeks of pregnancy or without proof of the baby's lung maturity may increase the risk of other breathing problems, including respiratory distress syndrome.
   

2. Fetal injury

   Although rare, accidental nicks to the baby's skin can occur during surgery.

Risks to you include: 

1. Inflammation and infection of the membrane lining the uterus.

   This condition — known as endometritis — may cause fever, chills, back pain, foul-smelling vaginal discharge and uterine pain. It's often treated with intravenous (IV) antibiotics.

2. Increased bleeding

   You may lose more blood with a C-section than with a vaginal birth. However, blood transfusions are rarely needed.  Your doctors and nurses will be keeping a close eye on this to ensure you get all the care you need.

3. Urinary tract infection

   You may develop a urinary tract infection in the bladder or kidneys.  Be sure to tell your doctor if you experience inflammation or pain while urinating.

4. Decreased bowel function

   Any abdominal surgery slows the movement of waste material through your intestines. Some medications for pain relief may further contribute to this problem, leading to constipation.  There are simple medicines to correct this problem if it continues for more than a day or two, so ask your doctor.

5. Reactions to anesthesia

   After regional anesthesia, a small number of women may experience a headache caused by a leak of the fluid around the spinal canal into the tissues of the back. Allergic or adverse reactions to the anesthetic also are possible.  Be sure you disclose your history of medicine allergies to your anesthesiologist so he or she can be sure to choose the right anesthetics for you.

   [EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO HELP YOUR DOCTOR PROVIDE THE BEST TREATMENT POSSIBLE.  CLICK HERE.]

6. Blood clots

   The risk of developing a blood clot inside a vein — especially in the legs or pelvic organs — is about four times greater after a C-section than after a vaginal delivery. If a blood clot travels to your lungs (pulmonary embolism), the damage can be life-threatening. Your doctors will take steps to prevent blood clots. You can help, too, by walking frequently soon after surgery.

   Blood clot warning signs include increasing pain in your calf, tenderness or redness above or below your knee, or increasing swelling in your calf, ankle, and foot.  Be vigilant in watching out for these signs -- and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.

7. Excessive Pain

   A C-Section isn't a walk in the park, so it's natural to expect a bit of pain.  But it shouldn't be excessive.  Your doctor can prescribe extremely powerful, effective pain medications to keep you from suffering through the worst of it.  Be sure to follow your doctor's advice exactly -- managing pain is an important part of recovering fully.  The less pain you're in the, faster you can heal.
   

   [MORE ON MANAGING PAIN POST-SURGERY.  CLICK HERE.]

The most important thing you can do is discuss your questions and concerns with your doctor before your C-Section.  It can be intimidating asking doctors questions, but don't let that stop you. Empowering yourself in the doctor-patient relationship by ensuring you get the answers you need will put your mind at ease and speed recovery.

CLICK HERE for a mind-easing resource that will teach you exactly the questions you need to ask and how to approach your doctor -- so you have the easiest, most effective C-Section possible.