What are the side effects of C-section?

Risks

Like other types of major surgery, C-sections carry risks.

Risks to babies include:

Breathing problems. Babies born by scheduled C-section are more likely to develop a breathing issue that causes them to breathe too fast for a few days after birth (transient tachypnea).
Surgical injury. Although rare, accidental nicks to the baby's skin can occur during surgery.

Risks to mothers include:

Infection. After a C-section, there might be a risk of developing an infection of the lining of the uterus (endometritis), in the urinary tract or at the site of the incision.
Blood loss. A C-section might cause heavy bleeding during and after delivery.
Reactions to anesthesia. Reactions to any type of anesthesia are possible.
Blood clots. A C-section might increase the risk of developing a blood clot inside a deep vein, especially in the legs or pelvis (deep vein thrombosis). If a blood clot travels to the lungs and blocks blood flow (pulmonary embolism), the damage can be life-threatening.
Surgical injury. Although rare, surgical injuries to the bladder or bowel can occur during a C-section.

Increased risks during future pregnancies. Having a C-section increases the risk of complications in a later pregnancy and in other surgeries. The more C-sections, the higher the risks of placenta previa and a condition in which the placenta becomes attached to the wall of the uterus (placenta accreta).

A C-section also increases the risk of the uterus tearing along the scar line (uterine rupture) for women who attempt a vaginal delivery in a later pregnancy.