Caesarean section: Possible complications for mother and baby

This is an automatically translated article.

The article is professionally consulted by BSCK II Tran Thi Mai Huong - Obstetrician and Gynecologist - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital

Cesarean section is surgery to remove the fetus, placenta and amniotic membrane through an incision in the abdominal wall into the intact uterus. Caesarean section is applied in necessary cases to reduce the risk to the mother and fetus.

1. When is cesarean section indicated?

Cesarean section is performed under the appointment of an obstetrician in the following cases:
Pelvic disproportionation Failed induction of labor Disorders of uterine contractions not corrected by medication Cervical failure Progression of placenta central previa but most cases of semicentral previa Placenta abruption Prolapse of umbilical cord in viable fetus but ineligible for immediate vaginal delivery Abnormal position Fetal failure in transition Intrauterine underdevelopment of the fetus, the life of the fetus is in danger. Post-term pregnancy is contraindicated for induction of labor Old incision in the body of the uterus + another abnormality Local or invasive cervical cancer. .. The cesarean section method does not include caesarean section for an intra-abdominal ectopic pregnancy or removal of a fetus that has been partially or completely intra-abdominal due to uterine rupture.

2. Complications when cesarean section are encountered in the mother

Complications near the mother may be encountered when using cesarean section such as:
Infection: possible surgical site infection, urinary tract infection, pneumonia. Common is surgical site infection; Amniotic fluid infection causing peritonitis can lead to hysterectomy in the postoperative period. Complications due to surgery such as touching adjacent organs (bladder, intestine), right ureteral suture, bladder - uterus/vaginal fistula. Heavy bleeding, Bleeding during or after surgery due to uterine atony; bleeding from a tear in the lower part of the uterus. Intestinal paralysis. Open the incision, hernia of the abdominal wall. Internal bleeding. Venous embolism, thrombosis. Maternal death: it may be due to amniotic fluid embolism, bleeding that cannot be stopped or because there is not enough blood when the mother has a rare blood type. Complications due to anesthesia - resuscitation: there may be complications from anesthesia such as aspiration syndrome (in the case of endotracheal anesthesia); hypotension, postoperative headache (in the case of spinal anesthesia), drug reactions (anaphylaxis). Further, after cesarean section during the recovery period and after complete recovery, the mother is also at risk for the following complications:
Intestinal adhesions, intestinal obstruction. Obstruction of the fallopian tubes causes secondary infertility. Endometriosis at the scar of abdominal wall surgery. The scar on the uterine body may crack in later pregnancies (cracking before labor or during labor) In later pregnancies the likelihood of having to have a caesarean section increases and if a vaginal delivery is assisted delivery by suction or forceps to reduce the risk of old caesarean scar cracks on the lower uterine segment...

3. Complications when cesarean section are encountered in children

Fetuses removed by caesarean section are at risk of facing specific complications such as:
The fetus may be affected by anesthesia. Injury during surgery. Inhalation of amniotic fluid, especially amniotic fluid containing meconium. Newborns born by cesarean section are at risk of severe respiratory failure (pulmonary retardation syndrome) and life-threatening due to intervention when the mother is not yet in labor, especially children who receive cesarean section intervention in the unborn pregnancy. full term Perinatal mortality (within 28 days after birth) was higher in cesarean section than in vaginal delivery. Cesarean section also increases the risk of stillbirth in the next delivery (maybe the uterus is scarred because the previous cesarean section did not create conditions for the placenta to adhere well, so the supply of blood and nutrients is not good.) inadequate fetal nutrition)...

4. How long does it take to recover after cesarean section?

For caesarean sections, the mother needs 20-30 days to really regain her normal health. This time depends on the mother's condition and the success of the surgery. Mother needs to stay in the hospital for 5-7 days to monitor her condition after surgery.
After cesarean section, the mother cannot get pregnant again, obstetricians recommend waiting at least 2-3 years to get pregnant again after cesarean section. The really good gap to have the next baby is 5 years, this time is enough for the mother to fully recover, avoid complications after cesarean section and be ready to get pregnant.
In case the mother misses the pregnancy plan before the safe time, it is necessary to consult a doctor for the most appropriate advice.
At Vinmec International General Hospital, mothers who give birth by caesarean section in Vinmec are relieved of pain on the first day after surgery by means of lumbar squamous muscle anesthesia, helping the mother to take care of her baby and recover better. This is a regional anesthetic technique performed by Vinmec to help block the pain signal before it is transmitted to the spine and to the brain, causing postoperative pain for pregnant women.
In addition to the technique of anesthesia of the lumbar squamous muscles under ultrasound guidance, in obstetrics, Vinmec also implements the technique of pudendal neuroanaesthesia to relieve epigastric and epigastric pain, helping pregnant women experience birth in a safe way. the most comfortable, whether it's a vaginal birth or a cesarean section. Thanks to these measures, mothers giving birth at Vinmec can enjoy complete pain relief, quick recovery, early return of bowel movements, early exercise and walking, and no chronic pain.

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