Many mothers hope to deliver their baby naturally. But sometimes, your doctor may decide to perform a cesarean section (C-Section). This is often done for the safety of you and your baby. So today, let's talk about why a C-section is necessary and what risks it can pose to both mother and baby. It's important to be well-informed about this.
Why do you need a C-Section?
The reasons for performing a cesarean section can be divided into two main categories. One is a planned C-Section and the other is an emergency C-Section .
Imagine you are having twins or more. In such cases, a normal delivery is a bit more complicated, so doctors plan a C-section in advance. Also, if the mother has a medical condition that is difficult to control, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or if she has a genital infection that can be transmitted to the baby (e.g. herpes), surgery is recommended for the safety of the baby.
An emergency C-section is necessary due to certain complications that arise during childbirth .
- Insufficient progress of labor: Sometimes the cervix does not open as much as it should. If the baby does not descend even after hours of labor.
- Baby's position: If the baby is not in the correct position, for example, if the baby is in a breech position instead of a head down position.
- Size of the baby: If the baby is too large and the doctor thinks it will be difficult for him to pass through the mother's pelvis .
- Complications for the baby or mother: If the baby's heartbeat changes abnormally during labor (fetal distress), it means that the baby is in distress. In such cases, the baby needs to be delivered as soon as possible. Also, if the mother experiences something like excessive bleeding, surgery may be necessary.
The most important thing is that a C-section is a very important medical decision made to protect the life of the mother and baby. It is never a failure.
Risks to the mother from surgery
Like any major surgery, a cesarean section carries some risks. However, it is important to remember that these are rare and unlikely to occur.
| Risk situation | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Infection | There is a small chance of infection developing in the surgical wound or uterus. The hospital will take all necessary precautions to prevent this. |
| Hemorrhage | There may be a little more bleeding than during a normal delivery. But the doctors are prepared for this. There are also facilities to donate blood if necessary. |
| Blood Clots | There is a small risk of blood clots (Deep Vein Thrombosis - DVT), especially in the legs. Walking quickly after surgery is recommended to reduce this risk. |
| Reactions to Anesthesia | Allergic or other reactions to anesthesia are very rare. The anesthesiologists will monitor you closely throughout the surgery. |
| Damage to other organs | Very rarely, minor damage to the bladder or intestines near the uterus may occur during surgery. Doctors can repair these immediately. |
| Amniotic Fluid Embolism | This is a very rare but serious condition in which the amniotic fluid surrounding the baby enters the mother's bloodstream. This is a medical emergency. |
Is there any effect on future pregnancies?
Yes, there are certain things you need to be careful about during your next pregnancy after a C-section.
If you are trying to have a vaginal birth (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean - VBAC) after a C-section, there is a very small risk of uterine rupture from the previous surgical scar. Although this is very rare, it is important to discuss this with your doctor and follow their advice.
Also, the risk of developing problems related to the placenta , such as placenta previa, is slightly increased.
What are the risks to the baby?
The good news is that the risks to the baby during a cesarean section are very low.
- Breathing difficulties: This is the most common condition. During a normal delivery, the fluid in the lungs is squeezed out as the baby passes through the birth canal. Because this process doesn't happen properly during a C-section, some babies may have a slightly increased breathing rate for a short time after birth. This is called Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn (TTN) . Don't worry , this condition usually goes away on its own within a day or two without any treatment. This risk is especially high if the surgery is performed before 39 weeks.
- Minor injuries during surgery: When the doctor cuts the uterus during surgery, the baby may very rarely experience a small scratch on the skin. These are very minor and heal quickly.
- Reactions to anesthesia: The baby is very rarely affected by anesthetic drugs given to the mother.
Can't you breastfeed after a C-section?
Absolutely not! You can breastfeed well after a cesarean section. You can try to breastfeed your baby as soon as you regain consciousness after anesthesia and are brought to the ward. You may find it difficult to sit up due to the surgical wound. At that time, ask the nurses for help and learn about easy positions where you can breastfeed your baby while leaning back.
Take-Home Message
- A cesarean section (C-Section) is often a necessary procedure to save the lives of both mother and baby. It should never be viewed as a failure.
- As with any surgery, there are minor risks. But the likelihood of most of these occurring is very low. Rather than being afraid and anxious about this, it is important to be aware of it.
- The risks to the baby are very low. Things like breathing difficulties usually resolve on their own within a day or two.
- If you have any questions or concerns about the C-section, feel free to discuss them with your doctor. He or she will explain everything to you.
- You can successfully breastfeed after a C-section. There are no barriers to that.
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