Infection risk for caesarean increases

The risk of getting an infection from a caesarean section has risen to ten per cent, according to statistics from the Health Protections Agency (HPA).

Researchers looked at data from 14 hospitals in England, and the 4,104 caesarean sections carried out in 2009.

The majority of infections were minor, but the infection rate was higher than expected for an operation not in an area of the body with high levels of bacteria.

The findings, published in the British Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, found 88.3 per cent were superficial infections but needed antibiotics.

Other infections had the potential for serious treatment including extensive hospital stays and further surgery.

Younger women and obese women were more likely to develop an infection.

Head of Healthcare Associated Infections at the HPA, Dr Elizabeth Sheridan said:  “Reducing rates of surgical site infections following a caesarean should be made a  priority. Given that one in four women deliver their baby by caesarean section, these infections represent a substantial burden. They will impact not only directly on the  mother and her family but also are a significant cost in terms of antibiotic use, GP  time and midwife care and every effort should be made to avoid them. Women  choosing to have caesarean section for non-medical reasons should be aware of the  risk of infection, particularly if they are overweight.”