C-Section (Cesarean Section): What You Must Know
A C-section – also known as cesarean section or cesarean delivery – is the surgical delivery of a baby by making an incision (or cut) in the mother’s abdomen and uterus.
Doctors recommend this delivery only in certain situations when the health or life of you or your baby is at risk, when certain pregnancy complications arise, or when labor fails to progress.
“I had my second child through a c-section delivery. I thought it would be much easier than pushing a baby out. Oh, how wrong I was! The delivery itself was simple but all the pain and recovery later drained life out of me. It has been almost 3 years, but my stitches still hurt. Sounds unbelievable, but the effects of a c-section delivery are very long-lasting.”
Even though C-section is a lifesaving procedure, like all surgeries, it does come with its risks. This blog explores why somebody might need a c-section delivery, its risks, and the procedure behind C-section delivery. Keep reading!
Why is a C-section Delivery Done?
Sometimes C-section delivery is planned early in the pregnancy, but they’re most often performed as a last resort when traditional vaginal delivery becomes impossible or very risky.
- C-section is performed if:
- Baby has an abnormal heart rate.
- Baby is in an unusual position.
- Baby has development specific conditions, such as cerebral palsy, fragile X syndrome, down syndrome, etc.
- Baby is coming out feet first.
- Baby is coming out shoulder first.
- Baby is too large for vaginal delivery.
- You previously had a C-section.
- You have health problems, such as BP, diabetes, etc.
- You’re carrying more than one baby.
- Your labor stops progressing or does not progress the way it should.
- You have active genital herpes (a common STD) that could be transmitted to the baby.
- The umbilical cord gets wrapped around the baby or enters the birth canal before the baby does.
- The baby is not getting enough oxygen supply.
Your doctor may also have other reasons to suggest a C-section. But C-section is an intense procedure. C-section recovery time and conditions required to fully recover are longer than vaginal delivery. So, only opt for a C-section once your doctor has given you a clear picture of the delivery risks.
The Risks of a C-section Delivery
As we all know, C-section has its risks and complications. There’s a reason why vaginal birth is preferred over C-section.
Some possible risks of C-section include:
- C-section wound infections.
- Heavy bleeding.
- Blood clots.
- Injury to organs, such as the bladder or intestines.
- Reaction to medicines used during the surgery.
- Increased risks during future pregnancies.
- Surgical injury to the baby (very rare).
- Breathing problems in the baby.
You may also have other risks that are unique to you and your health conditions. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your doctor before the surgery.
How is a C-section Delivery Performed?
This section of the blog is going to be really text-heavy… and emotionally heavy too, buckle up.
Before the surgery, your stomach will be cleaned, and you’ll be prepared for receiving IV fluids into your arm. This allows the doctor to administer any type of medication you may need during the surgery. A urinary catheter (a tube that collects urine from the bladder) will also be inserted to keep your bladder empty during the surgery.
Most of the time, you will be given regional anesthesia that numbs only the lower part of your body. Which means you will be awake during the entire procedure, but there’s nothing to worry about as you’ll only feel a tugging or pulling sensation.
Once the anesthesia takes effect, your doctor will make an incision (or cut) in the abdomen just above the pubic hairline. This will expose your uterus (womb) and your doctor will make a second incision in the uterus which finally exposes your baby. Your baby will be delivered through these two incisions.
Then the doctors will clamp and cut the umbilical cord of your baby. The hospital staff assisting the doctors will make sure your baby is breathing normally and prepare your baby to be given to you.
Your doctor will remove the placenta (an organ developed in the uterus during pregnancy) and examine your uterus for injuries or pieces of leftover placenta. Finally, your doctor will close the incisions in the uterus with dissolving stitches and your abdominal incision with sutures.
After the delivery, once the anesthesia wears off, you’ll be encouraged to drink fluids and rest. Any C-section pain should decrease after 2 or 3 days, but the wound will remain tender for up to 3 weeks or more.
Most mothers would need pain relievers to deal with the pain after C-section for the first few days to 2 weeks. Your doctors or nurses will keep a close watch on your incisions for any signs of infection. Your blood pressure, breathing, pulse, bleeding, and the firmness of your uterus will also be closely monitored.
That concludes our blog! If you know that you might be having a C-section, your doctor will walk you through the entire process and explain the risks and ways to recover before the surgery. But, if your surgery is unplanned for, just remember that the decision was made by the doctors with you and your baby’s health in mind. The best thing you can do after a C-section is just rest easy and allow others to help you recover!
FAQS
No, you will be under anesthesia during the entire procedure, so you won’t feel any pain during the process. Once the anesthesia wears off, your stitches will hurt.
Cesarean birth usually takes 30-60 minutes from start to finish.
There is no set number of stitches for C-section. The type of incision, the doctor’s preference, and the weight of the mother and the baby determine the number of stitches.
It may be delayed by a few days, but rest assured that you will start producing breastmilk in some time.
