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A cesarean delivery can be a life-saving procedure for the mother and her child. However, it is also major abdominal
surgery that puts the mother and her infant at increased medical risks. These include infections, hemorrhage, transfusions,
and injury to other organs, anesthesia complications, and a maternal mortality two to four times greater than that for
a vaginal birth. Long term complications in subsequent pregnancies and labors include risk for uterine rupture, and placental
problems such as placenta previa, placenta previa accreta, and abruptio placenta*. Studies also show that a cesarean
delivery, particularly when it was unexpected, may put some women at increased psychological risk for depression and post-traumatic
stress. Taking a closer look at these risks may help women to make an informed decision.
See also,
What Every Pregnant Woman Needs to Know About Cesarean Section published by the Childbirth Connection
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