The C-Section Procedure
The more you know about the C-Section procedure, the less frightened you will be.
There are a number of things that happen prior to your C-Section procedure as well as during the procedure, so here’s a run down of what you can expect.
When you first arrive at the hospital you will be taken to a C-Section preparation room to prepare for your surgery.
Prior to Your C-Section Procedure
At the start, you will be hooked up to a fetal monitor so that the doctors and the nurses can observe the baby and her vital signs.
Then you will be given your pain medication which will be an epidural or spinal. This type of anesthesia will numb your body from about your waist area to your feet allowing you to remain awake during the procedure. Here’s more information on the differerence between epidural and Spinal Anesthesia.
If your doctor determines that you should not be awake you will be administered a local anesthesia and you will not be awake at all.
You will also receive an I.V. (intravenous fluid) in your arm or hand to make sure your body is kept hydrated and medicated during the procedure.
Next, you will have a catheter inserted to drain your urine during the surgery.
Tip: Be sure to ask that you get your anesthesia before the catheter is inserted; you want your anesthesia first, as inserting the catheter can sting a little.
When the time is ready you will be wheeled to the operating room where the c-section procedure will begin.
The C-Section Procedure Itself
You will have surgical drape that will be placed directly in front of your view so that you will not be able to see the surgery, however your birthing partner will be suited up in sterile medical clothing and will be allowed to stand next to you. If your partner wishes, s(he) will be able to view the surgery by looking around the drape.
Usually the anesthesiologist, the person who administered your pain medication, will sit directly beside you as well. This is to help ensure you are comfortable and relaxed. The anesthesiologist is also there to answer any questions you may have about the procedure, so if you want to know something at any time during your surgery, be sure to ask, they are there to help.
Before the start of the procedure your abdomen will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution and the area may also be shaved and draped with sterile sheets.
The actual c-section procedure involves the doctor making a small horizontal incision, about 8-10 inches just above your pelvic line. As the incision is made you won’t feel a thing, you may feel a little pulling and tugging sensation as the baby is pulled out, but there is no pain at all. Soon after the incision is made the doctor will lift the baby’s head and suction the amniotic fluid from her mouth, then he will lift the rest of your baby out.
The baby is then handed to the nurse where your baby will be weighed, cleaned and wrapped. When having a vaginal delivery, the fluid that accumulated in your baby’s lungs is naturally squeezed out during the process of going through the birth canal, however with a c-section, your baby does not go through the birth canal and will need a little extra help with squeezing out the fluid, in many cases oxygen may also given to baby.
If you are awake for the delivery, you may be able to see the baby before s(he) goes to the nursery. Your partner may also hold the baby.
While your baby is being tended to the doctor will take out the placenta, and the anesthesiologist will administer Pitocin which works to reduce bleeding by contracting the uterus. You may also receive an antibiotic to help fight any chance of infection.
The doctor will sew you up using either sutures or staples. You will have both a uterine (internal) incision and an outer (skin) incision. If this is your first c-section the whole procedure may take about 15-20 minutes, if this is a subsequent C-section the procedure may take longer. This is sometimes due to adhesions or scar tissue build up from previous surgeries.
Once the C-Section procedure has completed you will be moved to the recovery room where you will be closely monitored before moving to your hospital room. Next, you will be on your way to your c-section recovery.
For more the C-Section procedure, risks and recovery, The Worry Free C-Section is an excellent resource for advice, personal tips information on all aspects of having a C-Section, including help for a faster recovery.
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Elizabeth-
I think we both have similar goals for our blogs- to help educate women about c-sections and to help women know they can still have an enjoyable birth even with a c-section.
Would you be willing to link to my site and I to you?
i have had a c-section and would like to view one being done.
You can view one here:
http://worry-free-c-section.com/blog/c-section-procedure/c-section-birth-video/
Hi, it is not actually a comment, it is a question. It will be my 5th c-section. Would U please explain the risks which I will encounter. Thank U
Hi Belaynesh, here’s a post I did on c-section risks. Please read it over, if you have other questions please post them
It says after the incision you won’t feel pain. Does this imply that the incision itself hurts? I’m getting my first one in March due to a pelvic injury and am petrified. I think mainly it’s just the mental part of knowing I’ll be awake while my stomach is cut open. I also tensed up at the thought of feeling the incision being made. Any words of comfort you can send will be great!
Kathryn, Sorry, I think that was a poor choice of words, I should have said ‘as’ the incision is made you don’t feel pain. In other words, you are numbed from the waist down and you won’t feel anything at all. When I had my C-Sections I remember thinking myself that if I’m awake how in the world can I not feel anything? But you really don’t feel a thing.
I know it’s hard but try to stay relaxed, stay focused on having your baby. The whole C-Section procedure is really easy for both you and baby, all you need to do is relax and focus on the fact that you’ll be holding your baby soon. Don’t worry, you’ll come out of it wondering why you ever felt scared