Must knows of C-Section Delivery

When women see two pink lines on their Preganews home pregnancy test kit, they always hope to have a safe and smooth pregnancy followed by a normal delivery. No matter how smooth their entire pregnancy was, few last minute developments or complications could sometimes lead to a Cesarean or C-Section delivery. The decision to detour from an expected vaginal delivery to an unexpected C-section is generally taken to ensure health and safety of mom and baby and hence the C-Section scar is nothing but a symbol of miracle.

C-Section is no less than a major surgery and can make a mom-to-be nervous. She may have endless questions regarding do’s and don’ts of C-Section. Everything from what to expect and how to face a C-section can leave a mom-to-be anxious. Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions on C-section that will help a soon to be mom and her family be mentally prepared for this detour.

What is a Cesarean or C-Section birth?

Cesarean or C-Section birth is the delivery of a baby through incisions made in the mother’s abdomen and uterus.

When Is a C-Section Scheduled?

For some moms, a cesarean birth is recommended by their doctor as a medical precaution even before they go into labor.

A planned cesarean might be recommended when:

• a multiple pregnancy
• the mom has had a Cesarean before
• the baby is breech
• the baby is very large, or
• the mom has a chronic condition such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or kidney disease.

What are the reasons for emergency cesarean birth?

The following situations are some of the reasons why a cesarean birth is performed:

• Failure of labor to progress—Contractions may not open the cervix enough for the baby to move into the vagina.
• Concern for the baby—For instance, the umbilical cord may become pinched or compressed or fetal monitoring may detect an abnormal heart rate.
• Problems with the placenta like preeclampsia or placenta previa
• Maternal infections, such as human immunodeficiency virus or herpes

Are there any risks of a C-Section?

Having a C-Section delivery is major surgery, and as with any birth, complications are rare but do exist. Doctors always weigh any risks of a c-section against the risks of a vaginal delivery, before they make a decision. However, for peace of your mind, always ask why a c-section is being recommended, and ask if any alternatives are available at all.

What happens during a C-Section?

Like any other surgery, you are medically prepped, hydrated with IV fluids, and washed with an antiseptic solution. An epidural or spinal anesthetic will be administered in some cases or you might be put under a general anesthetic.
During the procedure, the surgeon makes a horizontal incision about four to six inches long along the pubic bone (where your bikini line is). He or she cuts through tissue and separates the abdominal muscles, and then cuts open the uterus. You might feel a slight tugging sensation, as the doctor guides your baby out. Then, the umbilical cord is cut, and the baby is lifted away.

Can I hold my baby right after the C-Section and breastfeed?

Some hospitals may allow you to meet your baby almost immediately after the delivery. Then, as soon as you have been stitched up, you will be handed your baby for some important skin-to-skin contact. If both you and your baby are doing well, your baby can try to latch on for some very nutritious colostrum shortly after delivery.

What should I keep in mind about recovery?

• To prevent infection, for a few weeks after the cesarean birth you should
• Not place anything in your vagina or have sex
• Avoid doing any strenuous activity
• Regularly clean the scar to avoid infection
• Wear loose clothes that don’t rub or irritate the scar.

Follow up with your doctor to have the stitches. Recovery from an uncomplicated cesarean can take four to six weeks.

When should I be concerned post C-section?

Call your Doctor if you have

• a fever
• heavy bleeding or
• the pain gets worse.

Although C-section deliveries have increased, do talk to your doctor to discuss possible alternatives of C-section. While the recovery after C-section takes longer as compared to vaginal delivery, with rest and quality care, your body will recover back to its normalcy like that of a vaginal delivery.

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