Cesarean Section

C-section delivery or Cesarean delivery is a surgical procedure that takes place through incisions lower abdomen to deliver a baby. Cesarean delivery is preferred by couples as it allows them to select the date of giving birth to the child. Cesarean delivery does not have any major risks associated with it. One can experience the time of giving birth to a child with this procedure, without even having any pain. Both the parents must know all the pros and cons of the procedure before opting for one.

Why a cesarean delivery is done ?

There are many women who request C-sections with their first babies. It helps to avoid labor and also many other possible complications of vaginal birth. This kind of delivery also helps to get many advantages as it is a planned delivery. C-section or Cesarean delivery is safer for both the baby and the mother. The healthcare experts might suggest a cesarean delivery if:

• If the labor is not progressing: One of the reasons for cesarean delivery is a stalled labor. It might occur in case the cervix is unable to open enough despite several hours of strong contractions.
• When the baby is in distress: The healthcare experts will be concerned in case there are changes in the heartbeat of a baby. At that time, cesarean delivery is the right option.
• When the baby or babies are not in a normal position: At that time, cesarean delivery is the safest and the best way to deliver a baby, if the buttocks or the feet of the baby enter the breech or the birth canal. Sometimes the baby might have the position with shoulder or side fast. That time also doctors perform a C-section delivery.
• A woman might sometimes carry multiples: The need for the cesarean pregnancy is when the woman is carrying twins and when the baby who is leading is not in a proper position. This also takes place when a woman has triplets or even more babies.
• Sometimes there might be a problem with the placenta: There might be a cover at the placenta previa or opening of the cervix. In that case, doctors recommend a C-section delivery.
• Umbilical cord prolapsed: If the umbilical cord slips through the cervix ahead of the baby, doctors opt for a C-section.
• When there is a health concern: Cesarean delivery also happens when there is a severe health issue for example brain or a heart condition. In case there is an active genital herpes infection, there is a requirement for C-section delivery.
• Mechanical obstruction: There might be an urgent requirement for cesarean delivery when a woman has an issue with large fibroids that obstruct the birth canal or when there is a fracture in the pelvis. It is also when the baby has conditions that can lead to severe hydrocephalus, i.e when the head of the baby is larger than usual.
• Sometimes women may have a previous cesarean delivery. In that case, depending on the kind of the uterine incision and many other factors, doctors may recommend attempting VBAC.

How to prepare for a cesarean delivery

If the decision is of cesarean delivery, you must acquire all instructions from your doctor about the delivery. You must know everything to decrease the chances of risks to prevent yourself from complications and experience a successful delivery. Not only c-section delivery but all other types of delivery involves many checkups. The prenatal appointments will include several blood tests and many other physical examinations. It will help to determine the health of the would-be mother to determine if there is any risk underlying or not.

Your blood type will have a record by your doctor in case there is any need for transfusion of blood during the time of surgery. It is very rare when there is a need for blood transfusion during the time of cesarean delivery. Your doctor always remains prepared for any kind of complications during the delivery. Even if the plan is not for cesarean delivery, you must always prepare for the unexpected. Always discuss the risks and complications and what are the things you can do for a successful delivery. Be sure that all your questions have the answers. Cesarean delivery always takes more time to recover when compared to vaginal birth. Always arrange for some extra set of hands as it will be helpful. You will recover very fast with help around you and also your baby will get the proper attention.

The C-Section Procedure: What to Expect

What happens during a C-section?

Depending on the reason for opting for the procedure, it can vary. There are many steps that a c-section involves. But there are many things that happen during the C-section. You will ask to take shower by using antiseptic soap the night before your delivery and also on the morning of the delivery. You will ask to not shave the pubic hair as it will increase the chances of a surgical site infection if shaving takes place within 24 hours. The surgical staff will remove the pubic hair by using a trimmer before the delivery.

Doctors will clean your abdomen and also fit a catheter. The catheter will be placed into the bladder so that urine can be collected. The doctor will also place IV or intravenous lines in the arm or hand to provide medication or fluid when required. There are three different types of anesthesia that take place during the delivery of a baby via c-section. Most of the cesarean delivery takes place by using regional anesthesia. It helps to numb the lower part of the body by allowing the mother to remain awake during the delivery procedure. In case of an emergency, doctors sometimes prefer general anesthesia. It will not let the mother feel, see, or hear anything during the procedure. Some of the common choices of anesthesia are an epidural block or spinal block. When the patient is numb properly, the medicated doctors will make an incision above the pubic hairline. The incision is usually horizontal across the pelvis but during an emergency, it is often vertical. The uterus gets exposure once the incision is made into the abdomen. Doctors will cover the area throughout the surgery therefore, the patient will not be able to see the procedure. The baby will then be removed by the doctors from the uterus after the second incision is done. It will be then cleared by the mouth and the nose and doctors will clamp and cut the umbilical cord. The baby will be given to the staff and they will monitor the breathing pattern of the baby. The uterus will be repaired with the help of dissolving stitches and doctors will also close the incision of the abdomen with sutures.

What happens after a C-section?

After the cesarean delivery, you will stay in the hospital for a few days. The doctors will discuss all the pain relief options with you. As soon as the anesthesia begins to fade, you have to drink lots of water and walk around as well. The prevention of deep vein thrombosis and constipation takes place. The doctors will also monitor the area of the incision so that there are no signs of infection. Doctors will also remove the bladder catheter soon after the delivery. At this time, you will be able to start breastfeeding your child. You may also take suggestions from the nurse to know more about how to breast-feed a child and position yourself in such a way so that it is not uncomfortable for you or your child. You have to be in medications to reduce post-surgical pain. Before the doctor asks you to go home take suggestions from the doctors about any preventive care that you need to take. Make sure all your questions have the answer so that you do not face any problem at home.