In this article:
When Do I Need A C-Section?
If you have specific medical concerns or complications during labour in a vaginal delivery, you may need a C-section. A planned C-section takes place when any of the following conditions are met:- Cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD): It is a disorder in which your baby's head or body is too large to fit comfortably through your pelvis, or your pelvis is too tiny to accommodate an average-sized infant.
- Previous C-section: While it is possible to have a vaginal birth after a previous C-section, it is not available to everyone. This may be influenced by the type of uterine incision used in the previous C-section and the risk of uterine rupture.
- Expecting multiples: Although twins can usually be delivered vaginally, two or more babies may necessitate a C-section.
- Placenta previa: This condition arises when the placenta attaches too low in your uterus, preventing your baby from emerging via the cervix.
- Transverse lie: Your baby is lying horizontally, or sideways, in your uterus.
- Breech position: Breech position occurs when your baby enters your uterus feet- or bottom-first. Some clinicians may try to flip your baby, but if that fails, you will need a C-section.
- Health problems: Labour during a vaginal birth may exacerbate illnesses such as heart disease. A C-section is required if you have genital herpes at the time of delivery.
- Obstruction: A C-section may be necessary due to a large uterine fibroid, a pelvic fracture, or the expectation of a child with specific congenital abnormalities.
Anunplanned C-section delivery may be required if any of the following conditions occur during your labour:
- Labour is not progressing: Also known as prolonged labour, this occurs when your cervix dilates and then pauses, does not efface (or thin), or your baby stops moving down the delivery canal.
- Umbilical cord compression: Umbilical cord compression occurs when the umbilical cord is wrapped around your baby's neck or body or becomes wedged between your baby's head and your pelvis.
- Umbilical cord prolapse: Umbilical cord prolapse occurs when the umbilical cord emerges from the cervix before the infant.
- Placental abruption: Placental abruption occurs when the placenta separates from the uterine wall before birth.
- Foetal distress: Your baby may experience issues that cause an erratic heart rate during labour. Your physician may determine that the baby can no longer withstand labour and that a C-section is required.
- Electives and Emergency C-Section: Electives are done at 39 weeks mainly for previous 2 LSCS (Lower Segment Cesarean Section), Breech, Placenta previa, transverse lie (Tr lie), severe diabetes, preeclampsia and other such risks. There is a controversy related to LSCS in heart diseases, where it is not indicated other than in Marfan’s syndrome(a genetic disorder that affects connective tissues), otherwise vaginal delivery is preferred. LSCS is preferred due to less scarring.
What Should You Expect Before a C-section?
If you have a scheduled C-section, the following procedures will occur:- You will sign consent forms for the procedure
- The anaesthesiologist will review anaesthesia alternatives. Typically, an epidural (or spinal block) numbs you from your breasts to your feet
- The hair surrounding the incision will be trimmed or shaved
- A catheter will be used to keep your bladder empty
- You will be fitted with heart rate and blood pressure monitors
- You will get medicine and liquids through an IV( in your hand or arm
C-Section Procedure
The first step in a C-section procedure is to prepare you for anaesthesia. Most scheduled C-sections involve an epidural, which keeps you awake during the delivery. However, in other circumstances, you are sleeping because of general anaesthesia.Your abdomen will be cleaned with an antiseptic, and you may be given an oxygen mask to wear over your mouth and nose to help your baby breathe better. Next, your provider will wrap a sterile drape around the incision site and over your legs and chest. Finally, your doctors will place a sterile screen or drape between your head and lower body.
The obstetrician will next cut through your skin and into the wall of your abdomen. They might make a vertical or transverse incision. A horizontal incision is sometimes known as a bikini incision.
Then, your physician makes a 3 to 4-inch incision in the wall of your uterus. This incision may either be transverse or vertical. Finally, the obstetrician will remove the baby through the incisions. The umbilical cord is severed, the placenta removed, and the wounds healed with stitches and staples.
Emergency C-sections follow the same procedure; however, the speed at which your baby is removed varies. During a scheduled C-section, the delivery time is approximately 10-15 minutes. In an emergency C-section, your doctor will remove your baby in a matter of minutes.
If you remain conscious throughout your C-section, you will be able to see and hold your baby soon after birth. You will be anaesthetised, so you should not feel any pain. The majority of people report feeling a tug or pull as their baby is removed from their abdomen.
Are C-Sections Safe?
According to Dr Neerja, vaginal deliveries are normally favoured, but in some instances, a C-section is the only safe choice. When your baby is breech or you have placenta previa, a C-section is the safer alternative. A C-section has both dangers and advantages, which you should consider with your healthcare provider.How Long Does C-Section Surgery Take?
A normal C-section takes roughly 45 minutes from beginning to end. Following the delivery of your baby, your provider will suture your uterus and close the abdominal incision. Various forms of emergencies may happen during a delivery. In some situations, your baby will be delivered very rapidly, as soon as 15 minutes. This is an emergency caesarean section.Following your baby's birth, your obstetrician will deliver the placenta, just as with vaginal births. Your provider will then suture your uterus and/or staple your abdominal muscles. Stitches should dissolve, but staples are removed at the hospital around one week later. Your abdomen will be uncomfortable for days or weeks. In rare circumstances, your doctor may prescribe stronger pain medications.
You might expect to limit your activities, relax, and rely on family and friends after you return home. A typical C-section surgery takes at least two to three days in the hospital.
Benefits of C-Section
The benefits of a C-section depend on your pregnancy. In most circumstances, the primary advantage of a C-section is that it is safer for both you and your baby. When a vaginal birth is hazardous or potentially harms your baby, most clinicians will recommend a C-section to reduce the risks. Sometimes C-sections are unplanned. For example, if your baby's heart rate falls to a hazardous level, an emergency C-section is a safer option than allowing it to fall further.Risks Of C-Section
A C-section, like any other surgical procedure, has certain risks. C-sections have a slightly increased risk of complications than vaginal deliveries. These may include:- Infection
- Haemorrhage (blood loss)
- A blood clot that can break off and enter the bloodstream (embolism)
- Damage to the gut or bladder
- A cut that may undermine the uterine wall
- Placental abnormalities in subsequent pregnancies
- Risks of general anaesthesia
- Foetal injury
Other risks of a C-section include:
- A C-section may be more difficult to recover from than a vaginal delivery
- C-sections are more likely to result in chronic pelvic pain
- You are more likely to have a C-section in subsequent pregnancies
- Your baby may have difficulty nursing
- Your baby may be at a higher risk of breathing issues
Recovery After C-Section Procedure
Once the anaesthesia wears off, you'll start to feel pain from the incisions. You may also feel gassy and have difficulty breathing deeply. Ensure that an adult is present to assist you in getting out of bed during the first few days after C-section surgery. Most patients stay in the hospital for two to three days.A complete recovery can take four to six weeks. Consult your doctor about what to expect during the healing process. Most doctors advise against taking steps, lifting, exercising, or engaging in other intense activities for several weeks. Ask your friends or partner for assistance with errands, cooking, and cleaning so that you can relax and recover. Your provider may restrict your driving privileges until you can turn your body and apply pressure to the pedals with ease.
Cramping and bleeding can last up to six weeks, and there may be some discomfort around the incision. Taking over-the-counter pain medicines may help. Avoid intercourse for at least six weeks, or until your healthcare provider gives you the okay.
You will also have a vaginal discharge following surgery due to uterine lining shedding. The discharge, known as lochia, will first be crimson before gradually changing to yellow. If you suffer significant bleeding or a foul odour from your vaginal discharge, contact your healthcare professional immediately. Use sanitary pads instead of tampons until you're fully done bleeding.
Can I Have A Baby Vaginally Following A C-Section?
The majority of people who have a C-section can consider vaginal delivery in subsequent pregnancies. If you match the following characteristics, your chances of having a vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) improve significantly:- Your provider made a low transverse incision
- Your pelvis is not too small to hold an average-sized baby
- You are not anticipating multiples
- Your first C-section was only done because your baby was breech
When To Call The Doctor?
If you get an infection in your C-section incision, consult your doctor. Look for symptoms of infection, such as:- Red or inflamed incision
- Pus or seeping fluid from the wound
- Fever or increasing pain
- Heavy bleeding or severe pelvic discomfort and cramps are further warning symptoms
FAQs on What to Know About C-Section Procedures?
- Which is more painful: C-section or natural birth?
The level of pain you feel during labour is unique. For example, if you choose an unmedicated vaginal birth, you should anticipate more pain than someone who got an epidural before the vaginal birth. During a C-section, you will not experience much pain. However, healing following a C-section can be more difficult and time-consuming than recovering from a normal birth. There is no right or wrong response to what is more painful because each delivery is unique. - How many C-sections can you have?
The number of C-sections you can have depends on your medical history and pregnancy. An exact figure has not been agreed upon. Due to previous incisions or scarring, the surgery may become significantly more complex with each subsequent procedure.
