A C-section, also known as a cesarean section or cesarean birth, is a medical operation in which a baby is delivered through incisions in the abdomen and uterus. They are used when a vaginal delivery is not possible or safe or when the health of you or your baby is jeopardized.
You may require a C-section if you have certain medical issues or if complications arise during labor in a vaginal delivery. A planned C-section occurs when any of the following circumstances are met:
Cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD) refers to a condition in which your baby's head or body is too large to enter safely through your pelvis or your pelvis is too tiny to deliver an average-sized baby.
Previous C-sections: Although it is possible to give birth vaginally after a previous C-section, this is not an option for everyone. This can be affected by the type of uterine incision utilized in the previous C-section, as well as the danger of uterine rupture.
Expecting multiples? Although twins can usually be delivered vaginally, two or more babies may require a C-section.
Placenta previa: This problem occurs when the placenta attaches too low in your uterus, preventing your baby from exiting via your cervix.
Transverse lie: The baby is in a horizontal, or sideways, position within your uterus.
A breech presentation occurs when your baby enters your uterus feet- or bottom-first. Some clinicians may try to flip your baby, but if that fails, you will need a C-section.
Health problems: Labor during a vaginal birth may exacerbate illnesses such as heart disease. A C-section is required if you have genital herpes at the time of delivery.
Obstruction: A large uterine fibroid, a pelvic fracture, or expecting a baby with certain congenital defects may all be reasons for a C-section.
An unanticipated C-section delivery may be required if any of the following factors occur during your labor:
Labor needs to progress. Also known as prolonged labor occurs when your cervix dilates and then pauses, does not efface (or thin), or your baby stops advancing down the birth canal.
Umbilical cord compression occurs when the umbilical cord is wrapped around your baby's neck or body or becomes wedged between your baby's head and your pelvis.
Umbilical cord prolapse occurs when the umbilical cord emerges from the cervix before the infant.
Placental abruption occurs when the placenta separates from the uterine wall before birth.
Fetal distress: Your baby may experience issues that produce an erratic heart rate during delivery. Your obstetrician may determine that the baby can no longer withstand labor and that a C-section is required.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), C-sections account for about 30% of all deliveries in the United States.
If you have a scheduled C-section, the following procedures will occur:
You will sign consent forms for the procedure.
The anesthesiologist will discuss anesthetic alternatives. Typically, an epidural (or spinal block) numbs you from your breasts to your feet.
The hair surrounding the incision will be trimmed or shaved.
A catheter will be used to keep your bladder empty.
You will be fitted with heart rate and blood pressure monitors.
You will get medicine and liquids through an IV in your hand or arm.
You will review the operation and what to expect with your obstetrician (if this is the first time you have done so).
If you require an emergency C-section, your obstetrician will deliver your baby as soon as possible because you're or your baby's health is in jeopardy. However, there is usually little time to prepare, and you may require general anesthetic because it works faster.
The first step in a C-section procedure is preparing you for anesthesia. Most planned C-sections use an epidural, so you are awake for the delivery. However, in some cases, you're asleep under general anesthesia.
Your abdomen will be cleaned with an antiseptic, and you might have an oxygen mask placed over your mouth and nose to increase oxygen to your baby. Next, your provider places a sterile drape around the incision site and over your legs and chest. Finally, your providers raise a sterile curtain or drape between your head and your lower body.
The obstetrician will then make an incision through your skin and into the wall of your abdomen. They might use either a vertical or transverse incision. A horizontal incision is also called a bikini incision.
Next, your provider cuts a 3- to 4-inch incision into the wall of your uterus. This incision can also be transverse or vertical. Finally, the obstetrician removes your baby through the incisions. The umbilical cord is cut, the placenta is removed, and the incisions are closed with stitches and staples.
Emergency C-sections follow the same steps; however, the speed at which your baby is removed is different. During a planned C-section, the delivery takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Your provider removes your baby in only a few minutes in an emergency C-section.
If you're awake for your C-section surgery, you will be able to see and hold your baby shortly after it's born.
What does a C-section feel like?
You will be anesthetized, so you should not feel any pain. The majority of people describe feeling a tug or pull as their baby is removed from their abdomen.
Are c-sections safe?
Vaginal deliveries are normally favoured, but in some instances, a C-section is the only safe choice. When your baby is breech, or you have placenta previa, a C-section is the safer alternative. A C-section has both dangers and advantages, which you should consider with your healthcare provider.
A conventional C-section takes roughly 45 minutes from beginning to end. Following the delivery of your baby, your provider will suture your uterus and close the abdominal incision. Various forms of crises may happen during a delivery. In some situations, your baby will be delivered rapidly in as little as 15 minutes. This is an emergency cesarean section.
What happens following a C-section?
Following your baby's birth, your obstetrician will deliver the placenta, just as with vaginal births. Your provider will then suture your uterus and staple your abdominal muscles. Stitches should dissolve, but staples are removed at the hospital around one week later.
Your abdomen will be sore for several days or weeks. In some cases, your provider may prescribe stronger pain medication.
You can expect to limit your activities, take it easy and rely on family and friends once you go home. A typical C-section surgery requires at least two to three days in the hospital.
The benefits of a C-section depend on your pregnancy. In most circumstances, the primary advantage of a C-section is that it is safer for both you and your kid. When a vaginal birth is hazardous or potentially harms your baby, most clinicians will recommend a C-section to reduce the risks. Sometimes, C-sections are unplanned. For example, if your baby's heart rate falls to a hazardous level, an emergency C-section is a safer option than allowing it to fall further.
A C-section, like any other surgical procedure, has certain risks. C-sections have a slightly increased risk of complications than vaginal deliveries. These may include infection.
Hemorrhage (blood loss).
A blood clot that can break off and enter the bloodstream (embolism).
Damage to the gut or bladder.
A cut that may undermine the uterine wall.
Placental abnormalities in subsequent pregnancies.
Risks of general anesthesia.
Fetal injury.
Other downsides of a C-section include:
A C-section may be more difficult to recover from than a vaginal delivery.
C-sections are more likely to result in chronic pelvic pain.
You are more likely to have a C-section in subsequent pregnancies.
Your baby may have difficulty nursing.
Your baby may be at a higher risk of breathing issues.
The majority of persons who have a C-section can contemplate vaginal delivery in subsequent pregnancies. If you match the following characteristics, your chances of having a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) improve significantly:
Your provider made a low transverse incision.
Your pelvis is not too tiny to hold an average-sized baby.
You are not anticipating multiples.
Your first C-section was only done because your baby was breech.
If you get an infection in your C-section incision, call your doctor. Look for signs of infection, such as a red or swollen incision.
Pus or seeping fluid from the wound.
Fever or increasing pain.
Heavy bleeding or severe pelvic discomfort and cramps are further warning symptoms.
