PREPARING FOR CESAREAN SECTION

What is a Cesarean Section?

A Cesarean section is a surgical procedure performed to deliver a baby. During a Cesarean section, your doctor delivers the baby through an incision made in your abdomen.

Which Patients Undergo Cesarean Section?

• If a previous baby was born via Cesarean section
• If labor fails to progress despite regular contractions, leading to failure to dilate the cervix
• In situations where the baby’s life is in danger (this can be detected during monitoring using a device called NST, which measures the baby’s heart rate)
• In cases of multiple pregnancies (such as twins or triplets) – Cesarean section may be necessary if the babies are not in the proper position in the uterus or if there are other issues preventing a vaginal delivery.
• If there are problems with the baby’s placenta, such as placenta previa (where the placenta covers the cervix)
• If a large baby is suspected (especially in the presence of maternal diabetes)
• If the mother’s pelvis (hip bones) is not suitable for vaginal delivery
• If the mother has another health problem that prevents vaginal delivery
• If the baby has not assumed the proper position for vaginal delivery (the baby should be in a head-down position for a vaginal birth, not breech)
• If the mother has active infections such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or herpes simplex virus (HSV)
• If a medical necessity is not present, some women may still prefer to have an elective Cesarean section. In such cases, you should discuss with your doctor.

At What Week of Pregnancy is Cesarean Section Planned?

In most cases, you should wait until the 39th week of pregnancy. (A normal pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks.)

How is a Cesarean Section Performed?

A catheter will be inserted into a vein in your body to administer fluids, medications, or blood transfusions during and after surgery.

Monitors will be attached to various parts of your body to measure your pulse, oxygen level, and blood pressure during surgery. There are two preferred types of anesthesia for Cesarean section: General and Regional (Spinal / Epidural)

You can ask your anesthesiologist any questions you have before surgery.

With epidural and spinal anesthesia, the anesthetic drug is injected into the spinal cord through a needle. This type of anesthesia allows the mother to be awake during surgery, but numbness below the waist prevents any pain or discomfort. This type of anesthesia is commonly used for Cesarean section nowadays because, after the baby is born, if your baby’s health is good, you can see and touch your baby with the help of nurses and operating room staff. In general anesthesia, you are completely asleep. After anesthesia, you fall asleep within 10 to 20 seconds, and a tube is placed in your throat to help you breathe.

After anesthesia, your doctor will make an incision in the lower part of your abdomen (called the bikini line). Then an incision is made in your uterus, and the baby is delivered. The umbilical cord is then cut, and the baby’s placenta is removed.

Finally, your doctor stitches up all these tissues to stop bleeding, and the Cesarean section is completed.

How Long Does it Take to Recover from a Cesarean Section?

You can walk around, eat, and drink within four to six hours after surgery. Many patients are discharged from the hospital within 2-3 days if they have no health problems. Complete recovery can take up to six weeks.

What Symptoms Might I Experience in the First Few Weeks After a Cesarean Section?

• Mild cramping in your abdomen
• Light bleeding from your vagina and yellowish fluids
• Pain at the site of the surgical incision

You should call your doctor if you experience:

• A fever higher than 38 degrees Celsius
• Worsening pain
• Increased vaginal bleeding
• Bleeding or discharge from the incision site in your abdomen