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Repeat C-section: The risks
By Mayo Clinic staffRepeat C-sections are safe, but the risk of complications is slightly higher because the procedure poses more surgical challenges than does the initial C-section.
Potential risks for the mother include:
- Infection. Infection of the uterus or nearby organs — such as the bladder or kidneys — is more likely after a C-section than after a vaginal birth.
- Blood loss. You may lose twice as much blood during a C-section as you would during a vaginal birth. Sometimes the blood loss is heavy enough to require a transfusion.
- Problems with the placenta. The more C-sections you've had, the greater the risk of developing placenta accreta — when the placenta implants too deeply and firmly to the uterine wall. Placenta accreta can cause excessive bleeding during delivery, which sometimes can be stopped only by removing the uterus (hysterectomy).
- Weakened uterine wall. The incision may leave a weak spot in the uterine wall. This may cause problems with future attempts at vaginal birth.
- Damage to surrounding organs. During a C-section, damage to surrounding organs is possible. When it happens, the damage is usually slight and repaired immediately.
Potential risks for the baby include:
- Premature birth. When you plan to deliver a baby on a particular date, it's important to accurately determine your baby's age. Babies delivered prematurely may have a low birth weight and difficulty breathing.
- Breathing problems. The fluid in a baby's lungs is normally squeezed out by the pressure of moving through the birth canal. This doesn't happen during a C-section. If your baby's lungs are too wet, he or she may need extra oxygen after birth. The problem typically goes away within a few hours to a few days.
- Effects of anesthesia. Anesthesia can decrease the baby's oxygen supply or depress the baby's breathing. If necessary, medications can be given to the baby after birth to counteract these effects.
- Surgical cuts. Rarely, accidental nicks to the baby can occur during delivery.
