What is Cesarean Section
A Cesarean section, commonly known as C-section, is a surgical procedure in which a baby is delivered through an incision made in the abdomen and uterus of the pregnant mother. Cesarean sections are necessary in some pregnancies
The Need for Cesarean Section
In the case of a normal and low-risk pregnancy, it is likely possible to deliver your baby vaginally. However, in some cases, performing a cesarean section is necessary to ensure the health and safety of both the mother and the baby. Therefore, if you plan to deliver vaginally, it’s advisable to also educate yourself sufficiently about cesarean section, as you may unexpectedly need to undergo this procedure contrary to your initial plans.
Cesarean sections may be planned in advance or performed due to unforeseen complications. Often, complications during natural childbirth may necessitate a cesarean section. Unpredictable complications that may lead to a cesarean section include:
- Slow, stalled, or difficult labor progression.
- Fetal distress where the baby’s heart rate indicates distress.
- Serious issues with the umbilical cord or placenta.
- Macrosomia, where the baby is large.
If a problem is anticipated before labor, a doctor may schedule a cesarean section. Predictable reasons for a planned cesarean section include:
- Improper positioning of the baby, such as breech presentation.
- Chronic heart disease and risky conditions for natural childbirth.
- Infectious diseases transmittable to the fetus, such as genital herpes.
- Multiple pregnancies, especially in the second birth.
- Previous cesarean section and impossibility of natural childbirth
Performing a Cesarean Section (C-Section)
Before a cesarean section, an intravenous line is usually placed in one of the veins for fluid and medication administration if needed. Then, anesthesia is administered to numb the abdomen using spinal anesthesia, epidural anesthesia, or a combination of both. General anesthesia, which quickly puts the mother to sleep, is only used in emergency situations. In most cases of cesarean section, regional anesthesia allows the mother to remain awake and hold her baby after delivery.
Once the mother is numb from anesthesia, the surgeon makes a horizontal incision above the pubic hairline, although sometimes this incision may be vertical and from the navel upwards to the pubic hairline. After making the incision, the surgeon delivers the baby from the uterus. Following delivery of the baby, the surgeon delivers the placenta and then closes the surgical incision with stitches. Due to the risk of material regurgitation from the stomach to the respiratory tract during the operation, it is essential to fast for at least eight hours prior to the planned cesarean section.
Tips for Recovery After Cesarean Section
Women are often discharged within 48 hours after a cesarean section, though complete recovery may take four weeks or longer. In contrast, mothers who have had a vaginal delivery are typically discharged within 24 hours and can resume their daily activities within one to two weeks. Before discharge, a nurse will instruct you on wound care, recovery stages, and important contact information for your doctor. If you’ve had a cesarean section, it’s important to follow these guidelines until full recovery:
- Rest and avoid lifting heavy objects, strenuous exercise, and prolonged sitting until your surgical site heals. Enlist family members or friends to help with household chores, cooking, and shopping. Remember, rest doesn’t mean lying in bed all day, as too much inactivity after surgery can increase the risk of thromboembolism, which is dangerous for the mother’s health.
- Expect discomfort in the lower abdominal area and may need to use pain relievers for one to two weeks.
- Similar to natural childbirth, you will experience bleeding for several weeks after a cesarean section, which will gradually decrease. Use sanitary pads and avoid using tampons.
- If you experience any signs of infection such as fever, redness, pain, swelling, or discharge at the surgical site, contact your doctor immediately.
Following these recovery tips after a cesarean section will help ensure a smooth healing process and reduce the risk of complications.
Spinal Anesthesia for Pain-Free Childbirth
Spinal anesthesia, also known as spinal block or spinal, is a spinal injection that quickly numbs a specific area, effectively relieving lower body pain for a limited period. This method allows the individual to remain conscious during the procedure. Spinal anesthesia is commonly used alongside epidural anesthesia (epidural) to alleviate pain during childbirth or cesarean section.