Many women continue to have complaints after caesarean section

A third of the mothers who give birth by caesarean section still suffer from complaints in the long term. They suffer from severe abdominal pain, blood loss or even reduced fertility. The complaints have now been described for the first time as a clinical picture: Caesarean Scar Disorder.

About 30,000 women a year in the Netherlands give birth by caesarean section. Of this group, 18,000 are left with a ‘niche’, a bulging scar in the uterus. About 10,000 women are still struggling with long-term problems, such as severe abdominal pain, blood loss or reduced fertility.

Severe complaints after caesarean section

The fact that long-term complaints after a caesarean section are now internationally recognized as a disease is good news. “Thanks to this research, women can now receive a clear diagnosis,” report researchers from the Amsterdam UMC. “It is now also easier to look for good treatment.” A Dutch research physician and two gynecologists discussed the complaints with 31 specialists from different countries. Those conversations showed that women with these complaints do indeed recognize themselves in the disease.

Not the right help

Because not all doctors are aware of the condition, women don’t always get the right help. “We get enough women at the outpatient clinic who have gone through entire fertility processes because they would like to have a child and have only heard from us that they have a niche,” says Robert de Leeuw, gynecologist at the Amsterdam UMC. Recognizing this syndrome makes it easier for women to raise the alarm and get a referral to a specialist.

Read also: Patricia looks back on Caesarean section: ‘Not everything down there is peace and quiet’

Do not underestimate the effect of caesarean section

The researchers also hope that in the future women will be better informed about the advantages and disadvantages of a caesarean section. “A cesarean section is a very important, and often life-saving, procedure,” emphasizes physician-researcher Saskia Klein Meuleman. “But it’s important that we don’t underestimate the impact this surgery can have on a person’s long-term quality of life.” Sometimes a caesarean section is necessary, but not always. “Perhaps some of these women make a different assessment if we tell them that a second pregnancy can be difficult after a caesarean section,” says Judith Huirne, professor of gynaecology.

Do you struggle with complaints after a caesarean section and do you want to tell us about it? Send an email to redactie@kekmama.nl.

Source: NU.nl, AD

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