A caesarean section is a common procedure but there are still a number of risks involved.
Risks to the Mother The wound may become infected
Endometritis - inflammation of the membrane lining your uterus, which can cause fever, uterine pain and abnormal vaginal discharge. Endometritis can be treated with antibiotics.
Damage to the bladder which may affect your ability to control your bladder
Constipation due to the waste material moving too slowly through the intestines
Excess bleeding
Thrombosis (blood clot) in the legs.
Risks to the babyTransient tachypnea is a condition which affects the baby's ability to breathe normally. In the first few days of your baby's life it may breathe abnormally fast. This usually passes after a 2-3 days, but you should see if your GP if you feel your baby is having trouble breathing as treatment with oxygen may be necessary.
The risk of either you or your baby dying during a caesarean section is extremely small, although it is three times greater than a vaginal birth. In an emergency situation, the risks of carrying out a caesarean section are usually far outweighed by the risks of not doing one. It is important to remember that caesarean sections often save lives.
May 2011 | 
Introduction to Caesareans
