Here’s a full breakdown, written simply but with all the depth you deserve.
In this article:
1. Why doctors prefer 39 weeks
Most planned C-sections are booked for 39 weeks exactly. If done earlier (like 37–38 weeks) and labour hasn’t started, babies are more likely to have breathing troubles. If your doctor wants earlier, always ask why—there may be a medical reason, but otherwise waiting is safer.2. Steroid injections help the baby’s lungs
If surgery has to happen before 39 weeks, your doctor may give you two steroid injections (12–24 hours apart). These help your baby’s lungs mature and reduce the risk of breathing problems after birth.3. You can still have a birth plan
Even with surgery, you can ask for things that matter:- Delayed cord clamping (wait 30–60 seconds before cutting the cord)
- Skin-to-skin contact soon after birth
- Help with breastfeeding in the recovery room
- Music or dim lights (if your hospital is flexible).
4. Can your partner be inside the OT?
Government policy supports a birth companion in labour, but most hospitals don’t allow companions inside the operating theatre. Some private hospitals are slowly changing this. Ask in advance if your partner/mother can be there.5. You’ll probably be awake
Most Indian hospitals use spinal anaesthesia for C-sections. You’ll be awake, but numb from chest to toe. You may feel pulling and pressure, but not pain. If you do feel pain or severe nausea, tell the anaesthetist right away—they can adjust the medicine.6. Shivering is normal
Many women shiver or shake during surgery—it’s not fear, it’s a side effect of spinal anaesthesia. It looks dramatic but is usually harmless, and blankets or medicines can help.7. Antibiotics are given before the cut
To reduce infection, you should get antibiotics before the first incision, not after. This timing matters, and it’s worth confirming with your doctor.8. Extra antibiotics if labour started
If your water broke or you had contractions before surgery, you may need an extra antibiotic (like azithromycin) to reduce infection risk inside the womb.9. Delayed cord cutting is possible
Even in a C-section, doctors can wait 30–60 seconds before clamping the cord, unless there’s an emergency. This helps your baby get extra iron from the placenta and lowers anaemia risk later.10. Stitches vs staples
Some hospitals use staples (metal clips), others use dissolvable stitches. Stitches usually heal better and reduce wound problems, though they take longer to put in. Ask your doctor what they prefer and why.11. Catheter and early walking
You’ll have a urinary catheter during and just after surgery. Once it’s removed, nurses will encourage you to sit up, drink water, and walk within 12–24 hours. This helps your gut start working, reduces clots, and speeds recovery.12. Pain relief comes in layers
You’ll usually get paracetamol and ibuprofen on schedule. Stronger medicines (like opioids) are given only if needed. If your spinal injection had morphine mixed in, pain will be less, but you may feel itching or nausea—tell your doctor, both are treatable.13. Clot prevention matters
Every woman is checked for the risk of blood clots (DVT/PE). If your risk is high (overweight, family history, long bed rest, previous clots), you may get compression stockings or blood-thinning injections (heparin) for a few days after surgery.14. Why 39 weeks help the baby
Babies born by C-section before 39 weeks (without labour) may not get the same hormonal “prep” for breathing. This is why they’re more likely to end up in the NICU with breathing trouble. Waiting until 39 weeks reduces this risk.15. Gut bacteria differences
C-section babies have a different gut microbiome at birth compared to vaginally delivered babies. Some mothers ask about “vaginal seeding,” but it’s not recommended in India because of infection risks. Instead, breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact help balance the microbiome safely.16. More C-sections = more future risks
Each additional C-section increases the chance of placenta problems like placenta previa (placenta covering the cervix) and placenta accreta (placenta growing too deeply). These can be dangerous in future pregnancies, which is why doctors often encourage VBAC when safe.17. Scar tissue inside (adhesions)
After each abdominal surgery, scar tissue (adhesions) forms inside. These can stick organs together and make future surgeries more difficult. It’s one of the hidden reasons why repeat C-sections are riskier.18. VBAC is often possible
If your first C-section was a horizontal (sideways) cut, you may be able to try a vaginal birth after C-section (VBAC) next time. Success rates are 60–80% if the hospital is equipped for emergency surgery. Only certain types of previous cuts (like vertical ones) rule it out.19. Why the date matters so much
When your doctor suggests a C-section date, ask: “Why this date? Can we wait till 39 weeks?” If earlier is truly needed, ask if steroids for the baby’s lungs will help.20. You can request family-friendly practices
Even in an OT, you can ask for delayed cord clamping, skin-to-skin, and early breastfeeding support. These aren’t routine everywhere in India yet, but many doctors will agree if you bring it up.21. Infection prevention checklist
Ask your doctor:- “Will I get antibiotics before the cut?”
- “If my waters already broke, will you clean the vagina too?”
22. Anaesthesia side effects are manageable
Spinal anaesthesia is safe, but it can cause nausea, low BP, or shivering. Ask: “If I feel nauseous or shiver, how will you treat it?” A good anaesthetist will have solutions.23. Clot risk plan is personalised
Not every woman needs blood-thinner injections. But if you have high risk factors, you should ask: “What’s my clot risk? Do I need injections or just stockings?”24. Stitches, bathing, and exercise
Ask: “Will you use stitches or staples? When can I safely shower? When can I start gentle walking or pelvic floor exercises?” These answers differ by hospital, but knowing them helps you recover confidently.25. Next pregnancy planning starts now
Even during your current C-section, your doctor can note whether you’re a candidate for VBAC in the future. If not, ask how they’ll manage placenta risks in later pregnancies (like more detailed scans and delivery at a higher-level hospital).A C-section isn’t just a “cut and stitch” operation. It’s a process that affects your baby’s first minutes, your recovery, and even your future pregnancies. In India, where hospital practices can vary widely, being informed means you can ask for the safest, most respectful care.
Your power lies in asking the right questions: about timing, antibiotics, skin-to-skin, clot prevention, stitches, and future birth options.
FAQs on 25 Things You May Not Know About a C-Section
- Is it true that once you go through a C-section, it’s always a C-section?
No. Many women can try for a normal birth (VBAC) if their first cut was sideways and conditions are safe. - Is recovery harder than vaginal delivery?
Yes. It’s surgery, so recovery is slower, but with good pain relief and help at home, most women recover steadily. - Can I breastfeed after a C-section?
Yes. Start early if possible. Use football or side-lying positions to avoid pressure on stitches.
