©Pregnancy bliss 2008
Potential cesarean complications: continued from previous page
Injury to adjacent structures: during a difficult operation, structures such as loops of bowel and the urinary tract (bladder and ureters) may be injured. Normally, if recognized, injuries can be repaired relatively easily. If, however, they go unrecognized, they can lead to serious complications requiring a repeat operation and a long recovery period.
Infection: infection of the lining of the womb (endometritis) may follow a cesarean section. This has the potential for serious consequences, as eventual healing may produce a weak scar which may not withstand a subsequent pregnancy or labour. Again, this is uncommon. Infection is sometimes confined to the abdominal wound but this also means a prolonged and uncomfortable recovery period. The resulting scar may also be unsightly. Preventative (prophylactic) antibiotics are nowadays given to almost all mothers before or during a cesarean section to reduce the possibility of infection afterwards.
Pulmonary embolism: This is an uncommon condition where a clot or clots form within the veins and may be dislodged, travel and end up in vessels within the lungs, with sometimes very serious consequences. Since pregnancy is in itself a condition that promotes blood clotting, a major operation during pregnancy increases the risk of thrombosis and even pulmonary embolism.
Respiratory problems: Lung collapse (atelectasis) with pain and breathing difficulties may follow any major surgery, including cesarean section. Pneumonia may also occur.
Bowel problems: Intestinal ileus, where a loop of bowel is filled with gas, causing very uncomfortable abdominal distension, sometimes occurs and may last up to two days or so. Constipation is another minor potential complication.
Issues to consider if staying awake during a cesarean
OK; a lot of people cannot stand the sight of blood. That’s fair enough. However, the squeamish should not worry! The area of the operation is always screened off and it is only when the baby is delivered out of the abdomen that she may see a hint of blood as the baby is held up for her to see. Some women only want to see the baby after he or she has been cleaned and put in clothing. Staff will never object to such a request.
During the delivery of the baby, most times, pressure is applied on the upper part of her abdomen to ease delivery. This is only felt as pressure and not pain. It lasts about fifteen to thirty seconds. Remember, the baby is delivered within five minutes of starting the operation and the rest of the time (twenty to thirty minutes) is spent putting everything back together again.