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Cesarean births carry short and long-term risks to both the parent and infant.

• This is major surgery and as such, there are several risks associated with a cesarean birth.

  • Hemorrhaging

  • Infection

  • Blood clots

  • Surgical injury to your bladder or intestines

  • Amniotic fluid embolism (amniotic fluid or fetal material enters the maternal bloodstream)

  • Inflammation of the uterus

  • Bleeding

  • Risks to future pregnancies

• Risks to your baby:

  • Babies born by cesarean are more likely to develop breathing issues, this often occurs because vaginal birth/labor helps clear your baby’s lungs of fluid.

  • There is also the possibility of accidental nicks and scrapes to your baby during the procedure.

  • Lastly, there is a chance that your baby will have a bad reaction to your anesthesia.

Some cesarean births are planned and some are unplanned.
In either case informed, clear, communication from your team to you is vital.

Sources:
International Cesarean Awareness Network - https://www.ican-online.org

Web MD, What Happens During A C-Section - https://www.webmd.com/baby/what-happens-during-c-section#1

We put that in quotations because we understand that it will take some time to get moving and that is okay.
Remember to listen to your body and go as slow as you need to.
Keep the incision clean and watch for any signs of infection.

Postpartum Care For Cesarean Section

It may take weeks for the incision to heal and with that will come discomfort.
On top of the plate sized wound in your uterus left from your placenta.
You will still bleed from your vagina after a cesarean section because of this reason.
Take the full six weeks to recover.
Your body needs it now more than ever.
It’s important to keep it clean from infection; showering with mild soap and water will do the trick.
It is recommended to not lift anything more than 25lbs.
If you are breastfeeding, be sure that your pain medication is safe.

Normal v. Abnormal

Aside from the normal signs to look for when healing from childbirth, a cesarean adds a bit more care.
Watch your incision for any signs of infection. 

Symptoms may be:

• Your incision is red, swollen or leaking discharge

• You have a fever

• You have heavy bleeding

• You have worsening pain

Sources: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/c-section/about/pac-20393655