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A Caesarean section may be necessary for various reasons, such as when labor is not progressing as expected, the baby is in an unfavorable position, or is too big for vaginal delivery, and when there is a risk to the health of the mother and baby. However, like any surgical procedure, it also poses potential risks and complications. This article will cover these possible complications in more detail.
Allergic reactions to anesthesia
During a caesarean section, epidural anesthesia is commonly administered, but there are instances where general anesthesia is preferred. However, both types of anesthesia carry the potential risk of triggering an allergic reaction due to the substances present in the medication.
To minimize this risk, it is crucial to inform your doctor if you have any known allergies to medications while pregnant or when planning for a caesarean section. By doing so, you can prevent the occurrence of a severe and life-threatening condition called anaphylactic shock, which can be fatal.
Venous thrombosis
During pregnancy, the development of varicose veins in the legs can result in reduced blood flow, leading to swelling. This condition also increases the likelihood of developing thrombosis, which can lead to venous thrombosis.
Following surgical procedures, such as a cesarean section, the risk of pulmonary embolism can increase by 10-20%. This occurs when blood clots obstruct the venous vessels in the thighs and calves, making it difficult for blood to flow to the lungs and heart. In severe cases, this can cause right ventricular failure, leading to cardiac arrest.
While only a small percentage of women who undergo a cesarean section experience thromboembolism (0.03-0.05%), it is still important to seek treatment for varicose veins and their complications without delay. Ignoring such symptoms could lead to serious health issues.
Infectious diseases
In many cases, women who have undergone a cesarean section are more likely to develop postpartum infectious diseases, which can affect the uterus or vagina. Factors contributing to the development of such diseases include significant blood loss during surgery, anemia, bacterial vaginosis, and heavy bleeding following childbirth.
The development of infectious diseases in the female genital area can cause unpleasant symptoms such as itching, elevated body temperature, low blood pressure, and abdominal pain.
Surgical injuries
When undergoing a caesarean section, a woman may experience surgical trauma, including damage to nearby internal organs, which occurs in 2-12% of cases. The urinary system is the most commonly affected organ.
While such trauma can result from surgical error, it is more frequently the result of complicated childbirth, such as instances of excessive internal bleeding that make it difficult to perform precise surgical procedures.
Infection of stitches
During a cesarean section, a woman may experience surgical traumas, which can result in damage to nearby internal organs. This complication occurs in 2 to 12% of cases, especially during complicated deliveries that involve excessive internal bleeding that makes precise surgical manipulation difficult.
Another possible complication of a cesarean section is wound infection. The incisions made during the procedure are typically closed with either horizontal or vertical sutures, including internal sutures on the uterine wall. The healing process relies on proper suture techniques and care, but wound infection can occur due to various factors such as infection, rejection of suture material, trauma, or improper care.
Treatment for wound infection can range from medication to more complex procedures such as wound drainage, depending on the severity of the symptoms.
Scar formation on the uterus
After pregnancy, scars on the uterus can be classified into two types: viable and non-viable. Viable scars are thick and do not have any cavities. These scars do not adversely affect subsequent pregnancies.
Non-viable scars, which can result from a cesarean section, increase the risk of uterine wall rupture during subsequent pregnancies. These scars do not exceed 1 mm, have a non-uniform structure, and consist of connective tissue that does not stretch well. The fetus can be at risk of developing hypoxia, and in severe cases, this condition can lead to a fatal outcome.
When a non-viable scar occurs after a cesarean section, doctors often recommend avoiding natural births for subsequent pregnancies. They also advise waiting at least 2-3 years after the operation before conceiving another child.
Lochiometer
Lochia refers to the discharge from the vagina following childbirth, which contains blood, mucus, and uterine tissue. Lochiometer is a condition where lochia accumulates and is retained in the uterine cavity, leading to an enlarged uterus, abdominal pain, and hyperthermia, which is a state of overheating where the body temperature exceeds 37 degrees Celsius.
In both natural childbirth and cesarean section delivery, lochiometer can occur due to the uterus bending in the cervical region, blockage of the cervical canal, or detachment of the mucous membrane. This condition increases the risk of infection and bacterial diseases.
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