What are the risks of caesarean section?
A caesarean section poses certain medical risks to the health of both mother and baby. An elective (scheduled rather than an emergency) C/S before the due date increases the risk of foetal prematurity and respiratory distress syndrome (in which a premature infant has impaired oxygen intake). Prematurity and respiratory distress syndrome are associated with several complications, which may necessitate intensive care for the newborn baby with added financial costs. These complications need to be balanced against the potential risks for the baby if a C/S is not done, and only an experienced obstetrician (sometimes together with a paediatrician and a neonatologist) will be able to make the right decision. Risks to the mother include: • Anaesthesia complications. A regional anaesthetic block may not numb the area sufficiently and the patient may feel some minor discomfort. Also, in rare cases, an allergic reaction to the anaesthetic drug may occur. In most cases, regional anaesthesia is con
