What are the indications/causes for a c-section delivery?
You can choose how to give birth by knowing a C-section delivery’s potential advantages and risks.
Several factors, including having a scheduled or emergency c-section surgery, your overall health, and the health of your unborn child, will determine what this means for you.
What is C-section delivery?
A Cesarean section (also termed a C-section) is a procedure to deliver a baby by making incisions in the mother’s abdomen and uterus. It is typically done when a vaginal delivery is impossible or unsafe for the mother or baby. Some common reasons for a C-section may include the baby being in an abnormal position, the mother having health issues, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, or the baby is too large to pass through the birth canal.
During a C-section, the mother is given anesthesia to numb the lower part of her body. An incision is then made in the abdomen and uterus, and the baby is carefully delivered through the incisions. The procedure usually takes 45 minutes to an hour, and the mother typically stays in the hospital for a few days to recover. C-sections are generally safe, but they carry some risks, including bleeding, infection, and blood clots.
What happens during C-section delivery?
During a Cesarean section (C-section) delivery, the mother is given anesthesia to numb the lower part of her body. This can be either general anesthesia, which will make her unconscious, or regional anesthesia, such as an epidural or spinal block, which will numb only the lower part of her body. Most C-sections are done using regional anesthesia, as this allows the mother to be awake during the procedure and to be with her baby soon after birth.
After the anesthesia takes effect, the surgeon will incision the mother’s abdomen and uterus. The type of incision used will depend on the reason for the C-section and other factors, such as the baby’s position. The most common type of incision is a low transverse incision, made horizontally across the lower part of the uterus.
Once an incision is made, the surgeon will carefully deliver the baby through the incisions. This may involve gentle pulling and manipulation of the baby to help guide them out of the uterus. The baby’s head is usually delivered first, followed by the rest of the body.
Also Read: Normal Delivery Vs C-Section - Which one is the best for you?
After the baby is delivered, the umbilical cord will be clamped and cut. A pediatrician or other healthcare provider will assess the baby to check their health and vital signs. The baby may be taken to a warmer to help regulate their temperature and receive necessary medical care.
Meanwhile, the surgeon will deliver the placenta and close the incisions in the uterus and abdomen using stitches or staples. The mother will then be taken to a recovery area, where she will be monitored closely for several hours to ensure that she is stable and comfortable.
Overall, a C-section usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour from when the anesthesia is administered to when the baby is delivered. However, the exact details of the procedure can vary relying on the circumstances of each delivery.
Why is C-section surgery performed?
If a vaginal delivery is deemed excessively dangerous, a cesarean section may be suggested as a planned (elective) treatment or performed in an emergency.
Usually performed after the 39th week of pregnancy, planned caesareans. C-section surgery is performed because:
- Your baby is breech or feet first, and your doctor or midwife has tried everything to turn them using gentle pressure on your belly without success.
- Your placenta (placenta praevia) is low-lying.
- You have pre-eclampsia, a type of elevated blood pressure associated with pregnancy.
- You have certain illnesses, like untreated HIV or a first genital herpes infection that happened late in pregnancy.
- Your baby isn’t receiving enough oxygen and nourishment, sometimes necessitating an urgent delivery.
- Your labor is not progressing, or you are bleeding excessively from the vagina.
C-section risks and benefits
What are the benefits related to C-section surgery?
If this is your first pregnancy, a scheduled c-section may lower your chance of:
- Pain during the childbirth
- Vaginal injury
- Lack or loss of bladder control
- Pelvic organ prolapse, or the vagina, womb, bowel, or bladder pushes against the wall of the vagina.
Your risk of bowel issues, sex-related pain, depression, and breastfeeding issues is the same as with a vaginal birth.
Also Read: Why does morning sickness occur in pregnancy?
What are the risks related to C-section surgery?
Although a cesarean section is typically highly safe, there is always a small chance of complications.
It’s critical to be informed of the potential risks, especially if you’re considering getting a cesarean for non-medical reasons.
Potential issues include:
- Infection of the wound or womb lining
- Excessive bleeding
- Blood clots
- Damage to surrounding organs, such as the bladder or the tubes that connect the kidneys and bladder
- Temporary breathing issues in the baby
- Accidentally hurting the baby when the incision is being made
C section recovery
It typically takes longer to heal following a cesarean than it does from a vaginal delivery.
Compared to an average of 2 days for a vaginal birth, a cesarean section requires a hospital stay of about four days.
For the first few days, you might feel some stomach pain. To assist you with this, painkillers will be provided.
You should initially take it easy when you get home. Until your postnatal check-up with the doctor at six weeks, you may need to refrain from engaging in some activities, like driving.
Your stomach wound will eventually leave a scar. Although it could be noticeable at first, this should eventually go away and is frequently covered by your pubic hair.
Consult Dr. Mustafa Aldam for expert care
Dr. Mustafa Aldam is a renowned and board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist in Dubai with an extensive expertise of over 20 years.
He has earned his certification in Obstetrics and Gynecology from JMC. He currently serves his patients at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai.
Dr. Mustafa is highly skilled in obstetrics, cosmetic, and laparoscopic gynecology surgery. Book your appointment here!