What You Need to Know About C-Sections
If you are an expecting mother, you are probably counting the days until you can meet your beautiful baby in person.
But before the joyous day comes, you and your doctor have some important decisions regarding the delivery.
Even if you are planning for a natural birth, you shouldn’t rule out the possibility of a last-minute cesarean section. Therefore, knowing how to prepare and what to expect from a c-section can help reduce the stress associated with the surgical procedure and speed up recovery.
What is a C-Section?
Cesarean delivery or C-section is a surgical procedure where doctors make incisions in your abdomen and uterus to deliver your baby.
How Common are C-sections?
C-sections are more common than you might think. According to data from the CDC, 31.8% of nationwide births are cesarean deliveries.
Types of Cesarean Deliveries
There are two types of C-sections:
Planned Cesarean
A scheduled c-section could be the safest delivery option for women, especially those with high-risk pregnancies.
Reasons to schedule a planned cesarean delivery:
- Expecting multiple babies
- The mother has certain medical conditions that could pose a risk, such as high blood pressure
- Women who’ve had a previous C-section or other uterine surgery
- Problems with the placenta, including placenta previa (occur when the placenta is too low in the uterus and it covers the cervix)
- The baby has risk factors, including congenital disabilities
- The baby is in the wrong position
Your doctor will typically plan your c-section a week before your due date to avoid you going into labor.
Emergency C-Section
Should complications arise during labor that can compromise your baby’s well-being or yours, your doctor may decide on an emergency c-section as a life-saving measure.
Reasons for Emergency Cesarean Delivery
- Labor isn’t progressing – this happens when your cervix isn’t opening enough to allow your baby to pass, despite experiencing contractions
- The baby is in distress – the baby has trouble breathing or has an irregular heartbeat
- Prolapsed umbilical cord – this can happen when a loop of umbilical cord slips through the cervix ahead of your baby
What to Expect
Before your planned c-section, your doctor will examine you and prescribe tests that will help them determine any possible risk factors.
Most C-section surgeries use local anesthetics administered through an epidural which will numb your lower body, but you will remain conscious during the proceeding. However, nurses will place a surgical screen so you won’t see the procedure as it’s happening.
Once your baby is born, they will remove the screen so you can see and hold your newborn.
You will likely spend a couple of days at the clinic after your surgery before you and your baby can go home.
At Home Care
Once you are home, it’s normal to experience fatigue and discomfort. However, if you experience severe pain, develop a fever, or have heavy bleeding contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Get plenty of rest – We know life with a newborn can be strenuous but do your best to rest when possible
Clean your wound – Ask your doctor for the best way to care for your wound to avoid infection
Avoid sex – To prevent complications, including infection, avoid sex for 6-weeks after your c-section
Considering a Planned Cesarean or a Natural Birth?
The doctors are Women’s OB-GYN center offers personalized prenatal and delivery services, including planned c-sections. All procedures are done under strict safety protocols to ensure the safe delivery of your baby.
Expecting mothers worldwide can now choose to deliver their babies in the U.S. with the help of Women’s OB-GYN. Contact us for more information.
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Book an appointment today.
