Long Term Complications After C Section | C-section Side Effects in Future | Reduce Scar from C-Section | Most common reasons for c-section | Complications of post c section
C-section is a preferred type of delivery nowadays. Although, the cesarean procedure is very safe, C-section is a common problem complication that occurs in many cases.
What is C Section or LSCS
C Section or cesarean section is a surgical procedure of delivery. The baby is delivered through an incision in the lower abdomen and uterus. Spinal Anesthesia is given to perform the Cesarean section procedure
However, most deliveries happen naturally which is called Normal Delivery. C-Section is preferred if there any complication or risk is involved in the normal delivery.
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Types of C-Section
- Traditional Cesarean Section – It is also called classical cesarean section (C Section), a vertical incision is made in the midline of the lower abdomen. Once the uterus is exposed another vertical incision is made on the uterus. The baby is delivered through the vertical incision made on the uterus.
- Lower Uterine Segment Cesarean Section (LUCS) – It’s also called lower segment cesarean section (LSCS). A transverse incision is made in the lower abdomen just above the pubic hairline. Then a horizontal/transverse incision is made in the lower segment of the uterus to deliver the baby. LSCS is the most common surgical procedure for delivery.
Most Common Reasons for C Section
The trend of Cesarean section deliveries is increasing day by day. The reason behind a high number of C-sections is your lifestyle, dietary habits, and some other socioeconomic factors. Following are some of the most common reasons for c-sections.
- Abnormal positioning of the baby (Breech Presentation)
- Prolapsed Umbilical Cord
- Cord around the neck of the fetus
- Lesser quantity of Amniotic fluid (Fluid in the Uterus around the baby)
- Prolonged Labor
- Fetal distress
- Repeat Cesarean
- Chronic Health Condition
- Placenta Abruption
- Uterine rupture along previous C-section scar
Risk of C-section Delivery
A C-section or cesarean section delivery is a safe procedure, but there are some risks involved with the C-section delivery like any other type of surgery. The severity of risk depends on the nature and type of cesarean section. you may experience some common problems complications.
Risks to Mother
- Infection of the C-section wound
- Vaginal Bleeding post-infection of the womb lining
- Deep venous thrombosis (Rare)
- Injury to surrounding organs like the urethra and ureters (Rare)
- Risk of increasing complications to future pregnancy
Risks to Baby
- A cut on the skin of the baby
- Breathing difficulties
C-section complications symptoms
Early Possible Concerns after a C-section – Following are the early symptoms and complications of post c section. If you experienced these symptoms, connect with your doctor without any delay. Most of the early symptoms are related to the infection. An antibiotic therapy, depending on the severity of the infection can help in relieving the symptoms early.
- Severe pain in abdomen after C-section
- Redness and swelling at the incision site
- Infection and pus discharge from the incision site
- Pain at incision size that gets worse
- Fever more than 100⁰F
- Difficulty in urination and Painful urination
- Vaginal Discharge (Foul Smelling)
- Hemorrhage
- Delayed healing of the wound (wound separation due to infection)
- Numbness around and at the incision site
Side effects of C section years later
Complications and Side effects of C-sections vary from woman to woman. It depends on the type of procedure, and on the patient’s health conditions. Following are the common problems and Long term complications after C-Section.
- Pain in the abdomen or at the incision site
- Restriction and pulling sensation around the scar and incision line
- Intermenstrual bleeding
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Risk of secondary infertility and future pregnancies
- Uterine rupture during later pregnancy (risk of incision scar tearing)
- Placenta Previa (Placenta low in the uterus)
- Hypertrophic scar and keloid formation (A thick, raised, and irregular scar at the incision line)
- Prolonged numbness around and at the incision site due to Nerve damage
How to care C Section Incision?
Cesarean section is a safe procedure but some complications and infections can arise if proper care of the incision is not done. So it’s very important to properly care for the wound and incision to prevent infection and other complications.
Wound and Incision Care
Clean the incision daily with an antiseptic or antibiotic lotion as recommended by your doctor. Allow water and soap to run down your incision while taking bath. Gently pat dry the incision and clean with the antibiotic or antiseptic lotion.
Do not Stretch the Abdomen Muscles Too Much
Early exercise can harm you, don’t exercise until your doctor says it’s okay. Be careful when lifting an object, don’t lift heavy objects. Strenuous activities and too much stretching of the abdominal muscles can cause the incision to reopen.
Wear Loose-fitting Clothing
Skip tight-fitting clothes and skinny jeans which can irritate your incision. Opt for loose-fitting outfits and clothes, it helps to expose your incision to air and helps in keeping the wound dry, which speed-up the healing of the wound.
Heat Therapy
Apply heat to your abdomen and put heating pads on your abdomen in 20-30 minute intervals. Heating can ease the pain and swelling after a C-section.
Start walking after C-section
It’s good to get out from the bed and walk within 24 hours after a c-section. This helps in easing gas pains, improves bowel movements, and prevent blood clots (Deep Venus thrombosis)
How to Reduce Scar from C-Section?
Cesarean scars are a big cosmetic concern for most women. You wish to have a just thin line C-section scar as a reminder of the surgery. But, there is no way to know how a scar will heal until it comes in its actual shape. This is also a fact that scars don’t always fade away but you can improve the appearance of a scar by taking some steps:
- Silicone treatment with silicone gel or sheets – Silicone helps in restring the skin and strengthening the connective tissue. Silicone gel and sheets help soften and flatten the scars and minimize the thickness of the scar.
- Scar Massage – Once the wound is healed, you may start massaging the C-section scar. It stimulates the skin increases the blood flow, which gradually fades the skin and scar.
- Laser therapy, steroid injections, and scar revision are the few other medical treatment options to reduce C-section scars.
The purpose of this article is to just create awareness and avoid the complications of c-section if any. If you find any post LSCS symptoms or complications, please consult with your healthcare provider.
