A cesarean section, or C-section, is a procedure in which an obstetrician-gynecologist delivers a baby not through the vagina, but by making an incision in the mother's abdomen and uterus.
Some doctors also call this an abdominal delivery. Usually, a cesarean section is performed only when a vaginal delivery is dangerous for the mother or when there is a risk of serious harm to the baby.
When is a cesarean section performed?
A cesarean section is considered medically necessary for the following reasons:
- when signs of labor have not developed;
- in multiple pregnancies, such as twins or triplets;
- when emergency or serious health problems arise in the fetus;
- when the fetus has hydrocephalus or excess fluid in the brain;
- if the fetus is in a breech or transverse position;
- if the fetus is too large to pass freely through the cervix;
- if the mother has an infectious virus, such as herpes or HIV, that can be transmitted through vaginal delivery;
- if the mother has complex conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure;
- if the mother has a uterine disease or fibroids blocking the cervix;
- if there are anomalies in the placenta or umbilical cord;
- if the mother has previously had a cesarean section.
Risk factors
A cesarean section carries certain risk factors. Problems that a mother may encounter include:
- incision wound;
- blood loss;
- blood clots;
- injuries to organs, such as the intestines or bladder;
- adverse reactions to medications or anesthetics;
- complications that may occur during a future pregnancy.
Some women may experience endometritis, an inflammation of the uterine lining. Possible risks to the baby include surgical injury and breathing difficulties, such as rapid breathing (tachypnea) or respiratory distress syndrome.
Cesarean section
A scheduled cesarean section is usually performed starting from the 39th week of pregnancy.*
During a cesarean section, after anesthesia is administered into the epidural space of the mother's spine, the obstetrician makes an incision across the abdomen and uterus. During a cesarean, the mother may be under general anesthesia, although this is not common.
The incision is usually between 10 and 20 centimeters (cm) long.
Although the mother does not completely lose consciousness with epidural anesthesia, the lower part of her body remains pain-free. She may experience a pulling or tugging sensation.
The incision is usually 10 to 20 centimeters long.
Even though the mother does not completely lose consciousness during epidural anesthesia, no pain is felt in the lower part of her body.
Sometimes the obstetrician sets up a drape so that the mother does not see the surgical process, because although the procedure is not painful, it might cause her distress. Some hospitals allow the use of transparent drapes. The obstetrician and gynecologist keep the mother informed about the progress of the operation. Women who have previously given birth via cesarean section may have a vaginal, natural delivery in subsequent pregnancies, provided that the aforementioned causal factors are absent.
Recovery
After a cesarean section, the woman and her baby may stay in the hospital for 2 to 4 days as indicated.
The new mother may experience pain at the incision site, cramps, and bleeding with or without blood clots for 4 to 6 weeks. The severity of these symptoms varies for each woman who has undergone the surgery, but the condition should improve rapidly over time.
After leaving the hospital, women are advised to limit their physical activity at home.
Until your doctor tells you it is safe to resume normal activities, it is generally advisable to avoid strenuous exercise, lifting heavy objects, putting anything into the vagina, or having sexual intercourse for 4-6 weeks after surgery.
After a cesarean section…
Notify your doctor as soon as you notice the first signs of infection or other complications, or any suspicious symptoms.
These symptoms may include:
- fever;
- increased pain;
- increased vaginal bleeding;
- increased redness at the incision site;
- swelling of the surgical incision;
- breast pain with redness or fever;
- foul-smelling discharge;
- pain during urination.
This article was prepared based on information from Mayoclinic.org, NHS.uk and Medicalnewstoday.com by the "Lalu" team.
