C-Section Recovery, Health & Preparation

What is a Cesarean Section?

The primary concern of a pregnant mother is the health of her baby. The birthing process can be the scariest part sometimes.  With the health of the mother and her baby in mind, it might be necessary to deliver the baby in another manner besides the traditional vaginal delivery.  This is referred to as a c-section or cesarean section. 

The c-section is a procedure whereby the baby is surgically removed from the mother’s womb.   The procedure is done in a hospital operating room under sterile conditions and can be scheduled in advance or it can be done as a last minute change in birthing plans. 

Reasons for the C-Section Procedure

There are several reasons why you might require a cesarean section or make the decision to have a c-section instead of a vaginal delivery.  First of all, the baby might be too big. The doctor might schedule a c-section for you if the baby will be too large to pass safely through the pelvis. Complications can result if the baby gets trapped in the birth canal.

Secondly, the baby itself can be the reason for a cesarean section. Sometimes the baby’s heartbeat can slow down significantly during contractions suggesting that there could be an issue with the umbilical cord. Such fetal distress results in a c-section if it can’t be resolved any other way.

Third, the baby’s position can warrant a c-section. If the baby is breech (butt first) or face up in the birth canal, a vaginal delivery is difficult. The physician will try to turn the baby but if they cannot, you are probably headed to the operating room.

There are a few other reasons that can prompt a cesarean section. Overall, this surgical procedure is done in any case where it would be dangerous or life-threatening not to do so. Once the doctor tells you that a c-section will be performed, here is what will happen.

The Procedure

During the actual c-section procedure, you will most likely remain awake. This way, the doctors can communicate with you and you can see your baby when he or she is born. You will receive a spinal or epidural block. This anesthesia will prevent you from feeling any pain in your lower body during the c-section but doesn’t stop you from participating in the birth.  It is not mandatory that you be awake, in fact depending on your health or other circumstances, you may be given a local anethesia that puts you completely under.  The anesthesia used depends on your personal circumstance.

A horizontal (most common) or vertical incision is made in your abdomen. This allows the doctor access to your uterus. From there, a horizontal incision is made in the body of your uterus so the doctor can remove the baby. You might feel movement as the baby is lifted from your womb but not pain.

Your doctor will cut the umbilical cord, clean out the baby’s mouth and nose and remove the placenta. You can see your baby at this point but he will probably be removed from the room while the doctor stitches your incisions.

With the cesarean section procedure, the baby can be removed quicker to prevent or stop complications. There are several reasons why a physician would recommend a c-section over vaginal delivery. Know that any decision made will be for the best interest of you and your baby.

 Related topic:  c-section recovery