A cesarean birth, commonly referred to as the c-section amongst the masses, is when you deliver a baby via a surgical incision to the abdomen and uterus of a pregnant woman. It is basically a surgical alternative to normal delivery, also known as vaginal birth. As per popular opinion, vaginal births are preferred by most women. It is usually up to the mother to decide whether they want any medical intervention with a vaginal birth or not.
Sometimes though, due to various medical reasons, vaginal delivery of the baby is not possible. At times, the reason is just a personal preference of the mother and the ward’s family. Vaginal births are known to be quite painful. It varies from woman to woman in duration of labor and hence, the fatigue the process and pain causes. A c-section on the other hand may be scheduled with the doctor beforehand. A gynecologist in Islamabad explained the process of a cesarean delivery for better understanding and decision as well as the reasons why doctors or the mother may opt for it. Let us have a look in detail.
Why You May Require A C-Section?
A cesarean delivery is quite a common procedure people choose. For women who opt for this even if they have no medical issue, the doctor may guide them about the related pros and cons. Some women want to avoid the complications of a vaginal birth. They do not want to go through the excruciating pain of labor. At times, they want to plan the time of delivery and therefore, rule out normal delivery. This also makes them feel in control, reducing any anxiety and fear of pain and prolonged labor.
Medical reasons may involve some health concerns that the doctor may see. Some reasons include:
- Changes in the heartbeat of the baby or fetal distress
- If you are having more than one baby and they are not in a head-down position
- In case of placenta previa, when the placenta is covering the opening of the cervix
- In case of breech or transverse baby, i.e. the baby’s positioning is not correct
- When there is a prolapsed umbilical cord or a fibroid blocking the birth canal
- A woman is recommended a cesarean delivery in case she is suffering from a heart or brain condition
- Early pregnancy complications may be present
- There is a situation of reduced oxygen supply to the baby and immediate delivery must be done.
- The baby’s head is too big for the birth canal
Getting Ready For A Cesarean Birth
Once it is decided that you will be going for a cesarean birth, your doctor may help you understand what exactly is going to happen. You can ask any questions that come up during this session for your peace of mind and better understanding. A consent form will need to be signed by you before the procedure asking for your documented permission to go forward with the procedure.
It is important to inform your doctor of any underlying conditions, allergies, and also any other medications (whether prescription or herbal) that you may have been taking. If your c-section is planned and required anesthesia, you will be asked not to eat or drink anything for at least 8 hours prior to the surgery. Recovery may take a few days in the hospital so plan things accordingly.
Types Of Anesthesia For Cesarean
For delivering mothers, there are basically three types of anesthesia. These are as follows:
General anesthesia: This puts the mother in a painless sleep for the entire duration of the procedure. In this case, the baby may be exposed to some medications before being delivered. This is usually recommended in emergency situations.
Spinal block: This anesthetic is injected directly into the sac surrounding the spinal cord. It numbs the lower part of your body entirely. You may feel an immediate relief from pain and this may last for up to 3 hours almost.
Epidural: This is the most commonly used anesthesia for vaginal as well as cesarean deliveries. It is injected into the lower back outside the sac of the spinal cord. This numbs the entire abdomen for surgery. Although there is no pain during epidural administration, you may feel pressure as the needle is inserted.
What Happens Then
After anesthesia administration, incisions will be made in the abdomen and the uterus will be exposed. Know that incisions will need to be made through tissues and linings, therefore it is not just a single cut. After cutting through the uterus, our baby will be removed. If you are awake through the procedure, you may feel pressure or a pulling sensation at the time.
After delivering the baby, the umbilical cord will be cut and the placenta be removed completely. The doctor will then close all incisions using sutures. A sterile bandage will be applied at the end. The baby will be handed over to you after proper cleaning and checkup of normal breathing patterns by the hospital staff.
Conclusion
Recovery is the most important phase after delivery. You may need to be put on IV fluids for a while and pain medications, giving your body time to adjust and heal properly. You may also be asked to walk around to prevent blood clots and constipation issues. It is important that you take it easy on your body as it has gone through multiple changes these past months and a major surgery as well. Call your doctor in case you feel any abnormal issues.
