A C-section or Cesarean section is a surgery in which a baby can be delivered through the abdomen and uterus. It can be planned or be performed as needed. On-the-fly C-sections result from unforeseen complications in which either the baby or the mother are at risk. While many mothers want to have a seamless vaginal birth, around one-third of births in the US are C-sections.
Unfortunately, C-sections come with more risks than vaginal births and entail a more prolonged recovery in the hospital than a vaginal birth. In terms of what a C-section entails, a doctor, family physician, or obstetrician will make an incision in the mother’s abdomen and uterus, and the baby will be pulled out.
Why is a C-section performed?
Scheduled C-section
There are some situations where your doctor will know ahead of time that a vaginal birth will be dangerous. These situations are:
The baby is in breech or transverse. Ideally, your baby will be in a position in your womb where they will be headfirst when it comes time for delivery. If your baby is breech, this means their feet or bottom are first. If your baby is transverse, that means that they are sideways. You can use specific techniques to get your baby out of breech before delivery instead of a C-section.
Congenital disabilities. Specific congenital disabilities like severe hydrocephalus, a build-up of fluids in the brain, might mandate a C-section.
Problems with the placenta. If the placenta sits so low that it covers the opening of the cervix, you will need to have a C-section.
High-risk birth. The mother can have a medical condition that makes vaginal delivery dangerous. For example, active genital herpes or HIV would be such conditions.
Multiple pregnancies. A C-section may be necessary if you are carrying twins or multiple babies. In these cases, sometimes one or multiple babies are in breech in the womb.
Previous C-section. Sometimes, if the mother has previously had a C-section surgery on her uterus, it means that her subsequent deliveries must be via C-section. However, this is not true for all cases.
Emergency C-section
Sometimes a C-section will need to be done due to complications during the birth. Some of these complications may be:
- The timing of labor is not progressing, and medicines do not help
- Placental abruption (when the placenta separates from the uterine wall too quickly)
- Pinched umbilical cord
- The baby is in fetal distress with an elevated heart rate
- The baby’s head or body is too large to fit through the birthing canal
Every birth and C-section is different. Even if your doctor says you need a C-section, you can usually ask for a second opinion. Unfortunately, in an emergency, that is not always possible, and you are at the mercy of your doctor.
SLIDESHOW
Conception: The Amazing Journey from Egg to Embryo See SlideshowHow is a C-Section performed?
Before the procedure begins, you will be given some sort of anesthesia so you don’t feel the pain during the process. While you are being given anesthesia, your anesthesiologist will talk you through their pain management strategy.
Other preparations that may take place are:
- Monitors all around you to examine your heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure
- Oxygen mask or tube in your mouth or nose to give you extra oxygen
- A catheter inserted into your bladder
- IV in your arm or hand
- Wash your belly
- Shave your belly
After you receive anesthesia, your doctor will cut horizontally into your abdomen. They will then pull apart your abdominal muscles to get to the uterus. Sometimes, they will make another cut either vertically or horizontally. Usually, horizontally heals faster and also allows for vaginal births in the future.
Once your doctor cuts into the uterus, they will gently pull the baby out and suction their mouth and nose. Then, they will cut the umbilical cord. You will then be able to see your baby. After, the baby will be handed to the medical professional responsible for making sure your baby is okay. The final stage of a C-section is when the obstetrician takes the placenta away from the uterus and stitches your abdomen and uterus.
You should not be able to feel any pain during your C-section due to the anesthesia. Most women are also able to be fully conscious so they can witness their baby during birth. However, some conditions dictate general anesthesia so the mother would be unconscious.
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What are the risks of C-sections?
C-sections are quite safe in this day and age. However, there are always risks involved with surgeries. Some of the main dangers to look out for during a C-section are:
- Intensified bleeding
- Infections
- Bladder injuries
- Reactions to medication
- Blood clotting
- Death
- Injury to the baby
Additionally, recovery is generally a bit longer for C-sections than it is for vaginal births. You will likely have to stay in the hospital for about three to four days. You may feel itchy, sore, and nauseous immediately after your C-section. These are natural symptoms and will go away.
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American Academy of Pediatrics: “Delivery by Cesarean Section.”
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Are C-Sections Really That Bad?
In most births, the baby exits the uterus through the birth canal after a period of labor. C-sections are more complex than vaginal births because they are a form of surgery.
Can You Have a Hysterectomy With C-Section?
Hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus) may be performed during Cesarean delivery and is referred to as a Cesarean hysterectomy. It involves the removal of the uterus at the time of Cesarean delivery.Do C-section Scars Go Away?
C-section scars do not go away completely. They can fade on their own with time or with treatments, but a visible line is often left. You can use nonsurgical and surgical methods to reduce the appearance of scars.
Labor Symptoms (Early Signs)
Every woman's experience with labor and delivery is unique for each woman, and thus "Normal" labor varies from woman to woman. Some of the common signs and symptoms of normal labor include the "baby dropping," increase urination, back pain, contractions, and diarrhea.How Can I Get My C-Section to Heal Faster?
Cesarean delivery is the surgical delivery of a baby by cutting open the belly and womb. It is a major abdominal surgery performed in situations where a normal vaginal delivery can be dangerous to the health of the mother or baby. The cesarean delivery scar is about a 2- to 3-inch scar over your bikini line.How Long Is Recovery After C-Section?
Cesarean deliveries make up for an estimated 31.9 percent of all deliveries in the United States. Recovery after cesarean delivery can take as long as one and a half months.
Labor and Delivery
Early and later symptoms and signs of labor and delivery are unique to each woman. Early signs of labor are "lightning" and passing the mucus plug. Later symptoms and signs that labor that labor is are the woman's water breaking, and when contractions begin. There are three stages of labor, stage 1 is the longest and occurs when the cervix begins to thin and dilate. During stage 2 of labor the baby passes through the birth canal and remains there until delivery, and stage 3, is when the baby is delivered.
OxyContin (oxycodone)
OxyContin is a prescription opioid pain medication used to manage pain severe enough to require daily, around-the-clock, long-term treatment. Serious side effects of OxyContin include noisy breathing, shallow breathing, breathing that stops during sleep (sleep apnea), slow heart rate or weak pulse, lightheadedness, confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior, seizure, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dizziness, and worsening tiredness or weakness.oxytocin
Oxytocin is a synthetic form of the natural human hormone oxytocin used to induce or improve uterine contractions during delivery and to prevent uncontrolled bleeding (hemorrhage) after the delivery. Common side effects of oxytocin include serious allergic reaction (anaphylactic reaction), premature ventricular contractions, postpartum hemorrhage, pelvic hematoma, irregular heart rhythms (cardiac arrhythmia), bleeding in the space between the brain and its membrane (subarachnoid hemorrhage), fatal afibrinogenemia, hypertensive episodes, nausea, vomiting, and rupture of the uterus. Oxytocin should not be used otherwise during pregnancy or when breastfeeding.
What Are the Risks of Natural Birth After C-Section?
Is a natural or vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) an option for you? Learn about the possible risks and factors that may affect your decision.What Is More Painful C-section or Natural Birth?
Ultimately, a natural birth may be more painful than a cesarean section. However, the pain after your cesarean section combined with the heightened risks to you and your baby may outweigh the initial pain of childbirth.