Abdominal delivery; Abdominal birth; Cesarean section

A C-section is a safe procedure. The rate of serious complications is extremely low. However, certain risks are higher after C-section than after vaginal delivery. These include:

• Infection of the bladder or uterus
• Injury to the urinary tract
• Injury to the baby

A C-section may also cause problems in future pregnancies. This includes a higher risk for:

• Placenta previa
• Placenta growing into the muscle of the uterus and has trouble separating after the baby is born (placenta accreta)
• Uterine rupture

All surgeries carry risks. Risks due to anesthesia may include:

• Reactions to medications
• Problems breathing

Risks related to surgery in general may include:

• Bleeding
• Blood clots in the leg or pelvic veins
• Infection

Images

Cesarean section

Cesarean section

Cesarean section

Cesarean section

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Review Date: 05/02/2008
Reviewed By: Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine; Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)