This study focused on the association between social factors and complications following cesarean sections. A sample of 604 women delivering in the two main maternity hospitals in a city in southern Brazil were interviewed 24 hours after delivery and two weeks postpartum, using in-hospital and home interviews. Cox regression was applied, using a hierarchical framework of factors associated with post-cesarean complications. Post-partum complications were twice as frequent after cesareans as compared to vaginal delivery, independently of socioeconomic conditions. However, the increased the risk of complications associated with cesarean section proved to be mediated by socioeconomic circumstances, as represented by prenatal and childbirth care in the public health system, not having the same physician throughout prenatal care and delivery, and having the decision made for the cesarean while the patient was already in labor. The study's results show that post-cesarean complications can adversely impact women, especially those living in the worst social and health conditions, that is, precisely those that lack support when returning home with a surgical wound.