C-Section Birth Guide: What Should You Know?

A c-section is a surgical procedure to deliver a baby through an incision in the mother’s abdomen and uterus. A c-section is often necessary when the baby’s head is too large to fit through the mother’s pelvis or if it lies against her spine.

What is a C-Section?

A c-section is a surgical procedure to deliver a baby through an incision in the mother’s abdomen and uterus. A c-section is often necessary when the baby’s head is too large to fit through the mother’s pelvis or if it lies against her spine. The cesarean section is the most common surgery in the United States and Canada. It is estimated that about one in every four births in North America is a c-section.

• C-sections are usually performed in hospitals, but can be done in a birthing center or at home with a doctor or midwife.
• The major benefits of a c-section include the reduced risk of serious birth injuries, such as brain damage or death
• C-sections are safe, but they do carry some risks, including infection, blood clots, and injury to the baby or mother.

When would I need a c-section?

In order for the medical doctors to determine how healthy this pregnancy process and eventual birth are going for our patients, they need to measure the baby’s head size. If the baby’s head size is determined to be too large to fit through the mother’s pelvis, a c-section will be scheduled. Other reasons for c-section births are if the baby is in a breech (bottom first) or transverse (sideways) position, the placenta is too low in the uterus, there is heavy bleeding after labor begins or if complications happen during delivery such as premature tearing of membranes that can lead to infection and inflammation in surrounding tissues.

Procedure Details

C-section births are typically performed in a hospital setting, but can also be done in a birthing center or at home under the care of a doctor or midwife. Cesarean deliveries are typically done with the mother awake and under spinal or epidural anesthesia. This means that she will be able to feel pressure during the surgery, but will not feel any pain. A c-section usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour to complete.

Once the baby is delivered, the doctor will stitch up the incision. This usually takes about 20 minutes. Most women are able to go home within two to four days after a c-section.

What can I expect before the cesarean section?

The week preceding each birth (either vaginal or cesarean section) plays an important role when deciding on type of delivery. The doctor will want you stay home from work until you go back into prenatal care again on your appointment date/time. This is a time where you’ll want to organize the home for after the baby is born. Make sure you have groceries, postpartum pads, newborn diapers and clothes ready to go. You may consider calling around local restaurants such as Applebee Bites so that by nighttime these items have been collected and put away. Unless there are other specific instructions from your doctor, you will want to stop taking all medications by the time you go into labor unless they are for hypertension control. This also includes herbal supplements.

What happens after the procedure?

Once the baby is delivered, you will most likely be sent to a postpartum room. Most women are able to go home within two to four days after a c-section. You will need to take it easy for the first few weeks. Walking should remain very light over flat surfaces since bearing weight anywhere else increases pelvic opening trauma which could occur right away like bleeding or a few weeks down the road. Avoid stairs and running until cleared by provider. Most importantly, enjoy your new baby!

Recovery and Outlook

A c-section is a major surgery, so it's natural to feel some pain and discomfort afterward. You'll likely need pain medication for a few days after the surgery. Be sure to take all of the medication prescribed by your doctor. You may experience some swelling and bruising. Pain medicines taken together with water increase blood flow in surgical area resulting decreased risk of infection caused by poor lymphatic cleansing mechanism. You may experience some fatigue and nausea in the first few days post-birth. These symptoms usually go away within a week or two. You should be able to resume most of your regular activities within four to six weeks after the surgery.

The decision to have a c-section is a personal one that should be made after discussing the risks and benefits with your doctor.