Cesarean Section Delivery

Why would a pregnant woman require a cesarean section?

Cesarean Section Delivery

A cesarean section, or c-section, occurs when you have to have abdominal surgery to remove your baby. A cesaraen may be planned in advanced or it may be a sudden need. Sometimes a cesarean section is necessary for the health of the mother and/or baby. Whether you have a planned cesarean section or an emergency cesarean, you will undergo surgery in the operating room. After the operating room is prepped and ready, you will be brought into the room. Your labor partner will be given a set of scrubs to put on. Because there are so many things going on in the operating room at one time, it is common to have 5-10 healthcare professionals in the operating room during the cesarean section.

Reasons For A Cesarean Section
There a number of reasons that could cause you to have to undergo a cesarean section. If you have had a cesarean previously, you may get the option of having a cesarean or trying for a vaginal. If your baby is breech or you have placenta previa, you will need a cesarean section to deliver your baby. Sometimes doctors will perform cesarean sections if the baby is expected to be very large. If you are carrying multiples, your chances for a cesarean are higher. HIV/AIDS patients almost always give birth via a cesarean section to reduce the risk of infection in the baby. If you have genital herpes and have an outbreak at the time of delivery, your baby will be born through a c-section to prevent infection. Sometimes the cervix stops dilating or the baby does not go into the birth canal properly and this can require a cesarean to deliver the baby. If the umbilical cord comes through the cervix, your baby MUST be born immediately via cesarean section to prevent oxygen from being cut off. This is known as cord prolapse. Sometimes labor is so stressful for a baby that the baby's heart rate drops significantly and raises a cause for concern. If this happens, your doctor may recommend a cesarean to deliver quickly.

Procedure
You will have a catheter inserted to collect urine since you will not be able to get up to use the restroom for quite some time. If you have not had an epidural, you will be given a spinal so that your lower body will be numb for the procedure. You will also have an IV line placed in your arm or hand for medications and fluids. When you are wheeled to the operating room, you will be placed on the operating table and your legs will be strapped to the table to ensure safety. A sterile cloth will be draped in front of you so that you can not see the surgery. Hair around the incision site will be shaved and your skin will be cleansed well with a cold antiseptic solution to prevent infection. Your abdomen will then be draped with sterile material. Once the anesthesia has completely taken effect, your doctor will make an incision above the pubic bone. You will not feel the cutting, but you may hear machines that are used to suction fluids and seal off bleeding. Your doctor will continue cutting deeper into tissues and muscles until he reaches the uterine wall. Once the uterus is reached, your doctor will make one last incision into the uterus. The amniotic sac will be opened and the baby will come through the opening. As your doctor is pulling the baby through the opening, you will feel some pressure and tugging. The doctor will then cut the baby's umbilical cord and your doctor will hold the baby up for a moment before handing him off to a team of neonatal doctors and nurses. Medicine to help your uterus contract will be given through the IV and the placenta will be removed and examined. Your doctor will then suture your incision sites closed and a sterile bandage will placed over the wound. A nurse and the anesthesiologist will remain with you throughout your entire delivery, which will take approximately 45 minutes from start to finish.

Recovery
After you are all stitched up, you will be taken into a recovery room for observation. Nurses will continue to check your vital signs and she will also massage your uterus to get it to contract. You normally stay in the recovery room for approximately 1-2 hours and then go to another room for the remainder of your stay. You may or may not see your baby while you are in the recovery room. Your catheter is usually removed within a day of the surgery and your IV line will also be removed. You will most likely only receive liquids for 24 hours after delivery and then you can normally eat a regular diet.

Recovery after a cesarean section normally takes about 6 weeks. Because you have just had a major abdominal surgery AND given birth to a baby, you should try to take it as easy as you can. You may have gas pains, abdominal pain, uterine contractions and incisional pain. Walking is beneficial to recovery and you should try to walk as soon as possible. Avoid climbing stairs and ask for help with household chores and other children for a few weeks. Do not lift anything heavier than your baby. You will need to wear a sanitary pad for bleeding. This bleeding is called lochia and will last for several weeks. If your incision site becomes swollen, has a foul smell, bleeds or has an increased amount of pain you should call your doctor.

Risks
Because a cesarean section is a major abdominal surgery, there are risks involved. Mothers that undergo cesarean sections are more likely to develop an infection and have longer hospital stays than mothers who have a vaginal delivery. The recovery time is much longer and can be quite painful. Mothers may also experience alot of blood loss and clots following a cesarean section. There is also a risk for bowel and/or bladder injury during the process.

Comments: Cesarean Section Delivery

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Joyce49788 - 267 days ago.
well i went to doc a couple weeks ago, and they refuse to do a csection any earlier than 39 weeks. sooo since i have to do it on a weekend due to it is easier to find ppl to keep my kids for me, looks like i will probably have this lil GIRL on June 5...1-2 days before her due date. (i say 1-2 days because they are not sure whether to use LMP or 8wk u/s date which is a day early) plus i have 16 day luteal phase and so the way i figure it i SHOULD have a due date of June 5 anyhow...but who knows. i am kinda hoping that i go into labor and have to have my section a little earlier but who knows. anyhow good luck to you all in healing and in your upcoming surguries.

surprisedat40 - 272 days ago.
Just had my elective c-sect on the 12th of Feb. I was given the choice because of a previous c-section and a VBAC. I was very aware of everything going on during the procedure and even joked with my OB about having my tubes tied. I had no pain at all (catheter went in AFTER spinal!! - otherwise ouch!) They found the cord wrapped around baby's neck two times so we were happy to have the c-section planned... they would have otherwise done an emergency. It's been 12 days and recovery is going fine. I still take the stairs slowly while holding baby, and no heavy lifting so I'm just taking it easy for another week.

I-Make-Army-Brats2 - 272 days ago.
If any doctor attempts to cut me open again, I'll knock thier teeth out. My c-section was soo traumatic, I missed my own son's birth and I have a ruined back from failed spinal block (tried 4 times and each time dug into my back). I refuse to see an OB next time. I'll be dishing out the cash for a midwife (I have full coverage insurance for an OB), and I'm keeping my self at home. I'll scrub my freakin' bathtub out in the middle of labor before I EVER get into the car and head to the hospital for another cesarean. HORRIBLE! This is just me though, I would never choose this over a vaginal birth. Gimme another 4th degree tear any day, pushing a kid out is a cinch compared to having them violently yanked out of your womb!!!

tink21 - 273 days ago.
OMG!!! the catherer was the worse!!!! I had it before my spinal and it trigger contractions so as I was getting ready for my surgery I was having contrctions. The spinal was not as painful as I imagined, I loved the spinal!!!! Next time I will get the spinal first.

Mama-of-2boys - 276 days ago.
For me they put in my cath after I had the spinal, heck I didnt even know they did it. I woke up later and didnt even know until they came to take it out lol guess i had so much going on that I didnt pay attention. My spinal didnt 'hurt' it was more like a pinch just enough to make me go ouch then it was over.

domevapurple - 276 days ago.
anyone can say pls ..How pain the spinal injection in c section????

blondie30 - 279 days ago.
Q: I had a c on February 9th and since then I have had this horrible ahce in my right shoulder. My doc said it's normal and just trapped gas but do any of oyu have suggestions for relief?

kebler98 - 279 days ago.
michellelaughs I had my cath put in after the spinal. I couldn't even feel it. They told me they were doing it but I didn't feel until the spinal started wearing off. They took mine out the next day.

michellelaughs - 280 days ago.
Q: Did anyone having a c-section get to have their catheter put in AFTER their spinal? They put my catheter in first and it was awful but I have heard they can do after the spinal so its not such a pain. Next time I definately want the spinal BEFORE the catheter.

PreggersAgainYippee - 280 days ago.
I had a c-section at 39 weeks by choice with my last one and would never consider going 'natural'. It was so quick and easy. Fortunately, I had/have a doctor that was okay with my choice. My doc said that often times women who have a hard time recovering from c-sections are those who have went through major labor prior to having a c.

Mama-of-2boys - 280 days ago.
Hello ladies, Well I too have to have another c-section and I'm not really looking forward to it. With my son, he was in distress from the contractions and the cord was wrapped around his little neck, so I had to have one with him. And lucky me I get to do it again lol. I just really remember the first night hurting, but then after that I was really sore, but I was up walking around and taking care of him, plus went home and did house work and everything else. I think it is just the surgery part of it that makes me nervous, and not the actual deed itself. I get to have this baby which is another boy at 39 weeks which is April 6th...unless he wants to come early :) Can't wait its almost here

indigocream - 281 days ago.
Hello ladies hope you had a great v-night ;) I am having my 6th c-section and well I want to know if anything has changed or any new meds, my last c-section was 5 years ago... it seems like alot has changed such as baby bottles and other things.. I am excited about picking my date.... Trying to get July 4. or 10th

MILITARY~MOMMY - 283 days ago.
Just to add: I had a c-section, was out of bed 10 hrs after, the soonest my docs would let me out of bed, and I was very active, but I still healed slow. At 2 weeks post I felt good and decided I could drive the 5 miles to the store. I was in so much pain I had to call my husband to come get me... I am so happy to have my girl, and I will have c-sections for future children, but it is hard in the first month after. Worth it of course, but if you know you are having a c-section, you might want to have someone who can help around the house for the first 2 weeks... I was specifically told not to drive or vacuum for the first month- two rules I will NOT break next time! You never realise how much you use your abs for the simplist things. And the numb tingley feeling does go away... I think it was gone around 7 mo post...

victoriassecret143 - 284 days ago.
pregg- yeah I had a similar experience with my delivery... I went through the whole labor process, got to 10 cen and I started pushing for about 15 minutes..NOTHING. She couldnt fit through my birth canal and her head started to swell. So c-section here I come. She was actually born with a popped blood vessel from the straining. I went away after a day or so. It wasnt as bad as I thought it was going to be but I was also upset because my mom and sister both had to have c-sections and I wanted to experience the vaginal delivery BUT oh well I dont regret it and I actually healed very quick. It is true the faster you move around after surgery the quicker you heal. I was up walking around the day I had surgery. Well then again I was all doped up on Perks but I definetly healed really quick. The ONLY thing I did not like about having a c-section is the scar and how you loose feeling in that area of your tummy. Its been REALLY hard to get that Pooch to go away and I work out 5 days a week with cardio and abs and it wont go away!!!! Any advice???

farly - 284 days ago.
I just had c-section, last saturday feb.7, it was elective cesarean at 37 weeks 5 days. One thing i would say, yes it is painful at first but once u see ur baby everything goes away. The sooner u move, the sooner u heal. Also u need to be brave, think of how comfortable u will be if u rest in the comfort of ur home instead of the hospital, but the doctor will let u go home once they see that u can manage it otherwise u have to stay longer in the hospital, i got back home 2 days after my CS and i was already taking her of my baby. The pain of CS is like when u do a lot of side crunch and sit-up for the first time..once u pass gas everything is ok. Remember to take peppermint tea with u because it is helpful and also take staphysagria it helps promote healing.

kebler98 - 285 days ago.
pregg~ I agree. I had a c section 6 months ago. I had one because my doctor thought my son was to big and at 39 weeks I was having horrible pains but no contractions, no dilation, no effacement. So we decided it the best method. When my doctor got in there he found my son's ear had grown into scar tissue and he was trying to bear down and start labor but was stuck. Once he was out my hubby got to cut the cord also and once they had me sewn up they let my hubby go a few minutes early to gather everyone and they placed my little man in my arms and they wheeled both me and him back to our room together. I agree on the pain meds, all I took was the ibuprofen and the day my staples were removed (one week later) I was right back to my normal self getting in and out of bed. I was sad I never got to really feel any contractions but my son was delivered safely and that was the most important thing.

preggaliciouslydelicious - 285 days ago.
Hello ladies. I recently had a c-section, two wks ago today actually and just wanted to let you all know my experience. My reason was my pelvic bones were two narrow and pushing the baby was stressing her so the Dr, decided a cesarean would be better. I did go through full labor dilated and pushed a few times before being stopped. I was REALLY REALLY REALLY upset about having to have my daughter this way but for all of you who are scared its not that bad. YES im not gonna lie its a hassle afterward but by that time your so into your brand new baby that the pain doesnt even matter. My surgery only took like 15 minutes, and i got to see her as i was being sewn up. My boyfriend was in the room ( as i was awake through it all) and he even cut her cord, went with her to the nursery, and fed her while i recovered ( which was not two hrs it was like 2 minutes lol) after that i was wheeled to my room and they brought my girl to me!!!! It went by soooooo quick. And it wasnt jus the drugs making it seem that way. My mother went downstairs to smoke a cigarette and when she came back up the baby was in the nursery. My scar is VERY small i had staples and now i have tape which is supposed to come off on its own within the week. Im up and running around like normal. I notice the quicker you go without the pain meds they give ( percocet for me) the better you begin to feel. Granted, you feel a lil sore but CMON LADIES we just had a baby what can we NOT handle?

completnme - 287 days ago.
Hello expecting moms,man I guess I fit right in,I am having twins,and I am going to do a c-section,this is my 3rd pregnancy,I have a 4yr old and 1yr old naturally with now meds,and now they wanna slice me and numb me up,I am so nervous,but hey there is no other way for me cuz I am tying these tubes on the table!!well I will be reading,keep posting 8-)

chanelle - 287 days ago.
Jenn D I have had 2 sections and with both they only wanted 1 person with me. I have know a few others who have had sections and they could only have 1 person with them also.

kebler98 - 287 days ago.
Jenn D ~ I had a c-section 6 months ago. I live in KY and they really didn't even want my hubby in the room with me but I insisted. The room was very tiny so everything was close together and I don't think more than one person would fit in the room. (I was upset about the c-section because I wanted my parents there and my hubby to cut the cord but he did get to cut the cord when they put our son on the warming table. That made me cry just as much as hearing his first cry.) Good luck, and remember it is your baby and your body. You have the final say when it comes down to it.

Jenn D - 288 days ago.
I have a question for anyone who has had a c section. I only want my husband in the room with me, however, my mother is insistant on being in the room with us as well (which I only want to share this moment with him). Does anyone know if there are rules to how many people are allowed in the room with you when you have a c section. I am trying not to hurt her feelings, however, I am hoping there is a way to get out of her being there. I haven't been able to ask my dr. on this yet, so I am hoping someone here may know. Please let me know

Joyce49788 - 296 days ago.
because my first section was an EMERGENCY C-SECTION they cut me from belly button to pelvis. So every section afterwards they followed the same scar. It is awful, but from what i understand they usually do follow the old scar line, you might want to talk to your doctor about how long the incision is.

megandelgado - 305 days ago.
i was wondering how big is the normal csection scar cuz the doc cut me from hip bone to hip bone with my first and im pregnant with my 2nd im due may 7th so hopefully they wont cut me like that again but ya any body advice please

farly - 307 days ago.
Joyce, i have sched c-section on the 7th feb. my baby would be 37 weeks and 6 days almost 38. it is elective cesarean...For sure we have a good reason for doing it..and we know better than other people

Joyce49788 - 307 days ago.
omgtwins....thank you so much, it is just so crazy sometimes with what media comes out with whether doc stated or not...will be asking my doctor when i go for next visit....is it selfish to try to have baby a extra week early so that it does not inconveinence other children with school? a couple of days off at a weekend is one thing, but the entire last week of school is totally differant in my opinion. thanks again for the comment.