Are There Risks Associated With C-Sections?
Cesarean birth carries greater risk for both the mother and the baby than a vaginal delivery. Some of the increased risks for the mother include possible infection of the uterus and nearby pelvic organs; increased bleeding; blood clots in the legs, pelvic organs and sometimes the lungs; and, in very rare situations, death. For babies, there is the risk of being born prematurely if the due date is not accurately calculated. This can mean difficulty breathing (respiratory distress) and low birthweight. The baby also may be sluggish as a result of the anesthesia. A cesarean birth also is more painful, is more expensive, and takes longer to recover from than a vaginal birth.
