Assisted birth and caesarean birth

Risks of caesarean birth

Complications of a caesarean birth are rare but can include:

• Increased likelihood of blood loss. Depending on the degree of bleeding, some women may require a blood transfusion and/or hysterectomy (this is very rare).
• Risk of complications associated with having surgery, such as blood clots, scalpel cuts to the bladder or bowel (this is rare).
• Risk of a wound infection.
• Slower recovery time.
• Increased likelihood of complications in future pregnancies. For example, the placenta being low lying (placenta previa) or growing into the scar on the uterus (placenta accreta) which can lead to severe bleeding or further caesarean birth(s).
• Risk of baby having breathing problems and requiring admission to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit or Special Care Nursery.
• Risk of scalpel cuts to the baby.
• Increased likelihood of the baby having feeding problems.

More information: Queensland Government – Caesarean Section Consent form

In this guide:

1. Assisted birth – vacuum birth
2. Assisted birth – forceps birth
3. Caesarean birth
4. What can I expect for a caesarean birth?
5. Risks of caesarean birth

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