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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omgtwins - 308 days ago.
having a baby at 38 weeks is considered full term. I would not worry at all. I had my twins at 37 weeks and they were just fine. And a friend had her baby at 37 weeks and no problems. That is why they give a due date at 40 weeks but say anytime 2 weeks before or after is good.

Joyce49788 - 309 days ago.
was curious as to if it would be bad for baby to do c-section at 38week 2day- 38 week 5days??? i have read alot of stuff that says anything before 39 days if BAD but i have had 3 prior sections...1 was 2 weeks overdue and a failed induction...and the other 2 were scheduled 10 days early...would a additional 4 days make that much of a differance?

.:Mama:. - 316 days ago.
Ladies, I really need some advice! I had a c-section 3 days ago and I noticed a lil heaviness, a tightening in my upper back in the lung area after the operation. I figured I just need to walk more and it would go away. Well, they released me and a day later this pain/odd feeling in my lung area has gotten worse! I called obt and they said it's normal and comes from the anesthesia! Did anyone have this weird sensation as well? I feel short of breath and sort of out of it because of it and I'm getting a bit scared. Any advice is greatly appreciated<3

2ndtimearound@25 - 318 days ago.
I had a second c-section and yes-it was the same spot. It healed fine. I know if you have a lot of scar tissue then they will cut just above or below.

wntsagrl - 319 days ago.
When you get your 2nd cesarean do they cut you in the same spot

trkrchk - 332 days ago.
I just found out that I am almost 8 weeks pregnant. My daughter is 10 months now. This C-section will be my 4th. It will be interesting to see how it goes.

Brodys Mommy - 335 days ago.
I had a c-section three weeks & I was told that I could bleed for 2-6 weeks. Well I finally stop bleeding this past Thursday (sorry tmi) so when should I get my period? Also is it true that you're extremely fertile right after you have a baby? (I dont plan to get pregnant again anytime soon!!)

coreybaby - 336 days ago.
hey when exactly do they schedule you for a c-section

surprisedat40 - 341 days ago.
My advice to anyone who has just had a c-section baby is make sure you use birth control!! Even if it has only been two weeks and even if you are breastfeeding... you can still get pregnant - which is dangerous unless you've given your c-section enough time to heal.

mrsdenney - 342 days ago.
pregones- i had sex within the first 2 weeks as well. it didnt hurt my healing. at my 2 week follow up i was healing just fine. just had my 6 week and am still fine. so if you feel ok and you are careful then im sure you are fine.

Brodys Mommy - 343 days ago.
I had a c-section exactly two weeks ago today. How long should you wait before you have sex? I'm not bleeding anymore (sorry tmi) & I had sex (twice) with my boyfriend today. Was it okay that I had sex? Or did I just mess up my recovery time? Any replies would be helpful. Thanks

myownqueen - 344 days ago.
Katie & Nic, I had a wonderful exp with my csection. I breastfed as soon as I felt physically comfortable from the effects of the meds ( my arms were a lil shaky). I had NO trouble bonding with my son at all, I simply told myself that I did not want to be a csection horror story (atleast mentally). I had a great doc who I trusted, and I healed quickly/ nicely. My discomfort was very minimal, and I know that will be different for each individual depending on their pain tolerance. I was scared too, which totally normal especially when it's your first csection...even if it's your third :-) We will all be praying for you and your lil bundle of happiness.

SunshineA - 345 days ago.
katiebatie- I had two c-sections and I breast feed both of my babys. My first son was not so easy but I think it was only because it was my first time and I didnt produce as much milk as I did with my secound son. With my secound son when I pumped my colstrum the nurses at the hospital told me they had never seen so much colostorum and I puroduced more milk than I needed for my secound son. He wouldnt even take anything other than the breast until he was 9 months old.

3rdtimemama80 - 345 days ago.
I've had 3 sections and never had a problem breastfeeding at all. You just have to learn different ways to hold the baby so they aren't laying directly on your incision.

nicstyler - 346 days ago.
I'm scheduled to have a c section in six weeks due to our baby having a birth defect. Could anybody give me advice or tips? I'm a little scared but know it would be better for our baby. Thanks!

katiebatie - 346 days ago.
I had my first baby vaginally (after 40 hours of labor and 2.5 hours of pushing). and ended up with a lot of stiches and swelling even though my son was less than 6 pounds. My doctor has mentioned doing a c-section this time to avoid all the trauma to my body especially if my next one is any bigger. At first I was fine with it, but the more I read the more scared I get... I feel like a lot of info is so negetive, like you can't really breast feed easily or bond with your baby. I guess I need to hear from people that really had c-sections...even if the truth isn't all good. Thanks

3rdtimemama80 - 351 days ago.
Hey girls! I just had my 3rd c-section on November 20th~ It was my best delivery by far. Still very sore, but doing great! Feel free to read my birth story and leave a comment. If anyone would like to chat about the experience/post-op or recovery, I'm always willing to lend my take on things:-)

completnme - 352 days ago.
Can anyone tell me what exactly they do to tie ur tubes,I'm getting them tied after I give birth vaginally and I am a bit worried because of lack of info and ppl with vaginal delivery and tubes tied....this is my 3rd and last baby so I don't wanna go in scared of gettin it done.

Mommyat19 - 352 days ago.
I had a c-section on Monday. I had these tubes placed inside my stomach (the tubes were small & thin) & they would pump medicine directly into the incision. The tubes were placed about two finger below my belly botton & I had to carry this little black bag on my should (that bag had the medicine in it & the tubes were attach to it). I was wondering does anyone know what I'm talking about? Has anyone else had this done before? The doc removed my staples & the tubes before I left the hospital on Friday. I'll pray for all you ladies who've recently had a c-section, idk about you but I'm in ALOT of pain. Take care ladies!

myownqueen - 352 days ago.
Hi Ladies, I had a c section about six weeks ago, and I've been feeling great almost since day one. No horror story here, praise God. Mommy's I hope you're all healing well and enjoying your babes!!! I wanted to know if any of you have started any rigorous work outs :-) Any post c section excercise dvd, someone may suggest or a particular exercise you've tried that works? Thanks ladies, and always wishing you the best!!!!

surprisedat40 - 354 days ago.
Hey Karim, thanks for the post. I've still got 10 weeks to go, but have been stressing a bit over the thought of a planned c-sect. - and getting my tubes tied as well. It's reassuring to hear from someone who's just been through it!!

jmcbrown2002 - 354 days ago.
Hey peanuts, they say to not cover it..in fact you should let as much air get to it as possible..i always just put a wash cloth just kinda tucked into the top of my pants to catch the drainage..I always had to change it a couple times a day. That way its not gettin your clothes wet. Just keep it clean and dry and that should help with keeping infection away!! If for some reason you notice any smell coming from it or anything but clear/pinkish drainage you might wanna get to your dr for some anitbiotics! Hope this helps!

peanuts mommy - 354 days ago.
Due to the lovely fold created by the c-section incision, I am having trouble keeping the incision dry so the scabs will stay hard. Would anylone suggest that I put a gauze pad or something in the crease to keep it dry. As of right now I don't feel like it is too terribly sore. It is raised a bit and itches. I just don't want to develop an infection.

karim - 354 days ago.
Just wanted to update you guys. I had my c-section 10 days ago. I am now feeling like I'm at about 90%. I was up and moving the very next day. I was nervous about getting to see my son following the birth due to the morphine in my drip but the hospital was wonderful and I was holding him within the hour. I had the stitches instead of staples and it seems to be healing nicely. It doesn't look like the scar will be raised. The spinal needle that I was worried about seriously only hurt for a second. After the initial sting, I felt a warm sensation down my legs and was immediately comfortable. Mine was elective and I'd do it again (if I wouldn't of had my tubes tied that is)! Happy pregnancies to you all!!

AnotherYummyMummy - 356 days ago.
Hey, I'm having troubles post c-section (5 days) with a big tummy that seems to refuse to go down! My uterus doesn't seem to want to contract and has stuck at the level of my belly button. I had some ergometrin after teh delivery (an IV to help with uterine shrinkage) which helped it go down a little, but it hasnt really done much more since. Other than that I feel very well and was out of hospital within 2 days. Anyhow...was wondering if anyone with previous c-sections had a similar problem/could offer me any reassurance that it will eventually go back to normal!!