Having a C-section? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

When your doctor informed you that you need to deliver your baby through a caesarean section (c-section), you must have felt a little worried and uneasy about undergoing surgery.

But, let us be honest – you are not the only one. 1 in every 5 women in India undergoes a c-section procedure to give birth to a baby.

If you’re pregnant and are keen to know what a c-section is and what you should expect from the procedure, then here’s everything you want to read.

Even if you do not expect to have a C-section, it’s a sensible move to become familiar with the procedure.

Without further ado, let us get to the essence.

What is C-Section?

The surgical incisions formed in the mother’s abdomen and uterus to deliver the baby refer to the c-section procedure. Most times, the c-section process is safe for the baby and mother.

C-sections can prevent risky scenarios in the delivery room for women at risk for problems and can be life-saving in an emergency.

Reasons Why Doctors Advise Some Women to Undergo C-Section:

You may need c-section delivery, if:

• Your labour is not progressing normally
• You’re carrying more than one baby, i.e., twins or triplets.
• The baby has birth defects
• You have health problems such as brain condition, blood pressure and more
• Your placenta is covering the cervix
• You’re HIV positive or have active herpes around your vulva, vagina or buttocks
• The baby is in distress, and the doctor may notice any heartbeat changes
• The baby is in an improper position
• The umbilical cord covers the baby
• Multiple births
• You’ve had a c-section procedure in the past
• The baby’s head or body is too big to move out through the vaginal route
• A large fibroid is blocking the birth canal or pelvic fracture

Many women request a c-section operation with their first child since they wish to avoid labour, schedule the delivery time or avoid complications related to natural birth. However, doctors do not suggest this to women who plan to have several children in the future.  

C-Section Risks that You Should Know:

• You may contract an infection on the uterine lining, at the incision spot or in the urinary tract after a C-section.
• Reactions to anaesthesia are a possibility.
• Accidental incisions can occur to the baby’s skin during the C-section process, even though this is rare.
• An increased risk of deep vein blood clots, particularly in the legs or pelvis, may result from a C-section. The damage might be fatal if a blood clot enters the lungs and prevents blood flow.
• May cause heavy bleeding during or after the delivery
• The risk of problems with subsequent pregnancies and other procedures boosts after a C-section. Placenta previa and placenta accreta risks grow with the number of C-sections conducted.
• A breathing condition that causes babies to breathe too quickly for a few days after delivery is more likely to develop in those born via planned C-section.
• During a C-section, surgical injuries may occur to the bowel or bladder.

What to Expect During the C-Section Procedure?

Make your mind to stay in the hospital for 4 to 5 days after getting your C-section done. The doctor will give you anaesthesia. After that, they will initiate the process. Here’s how the C-section procedure goes:  

• Your doctor will make an incision in the abdominal wall, generally horizontally done near the public hairline. Your doctor may make a vertical incision from right below the navel to above the pubic bone.
• Then after, the doctor softly makes a section between the abdominal muscles to get to the uterus. The doctor will make a horizontal incision in the uterus in most cases. If the baby’s position is a little unusual or there are other complications, then they may have to make a different uterine incision.
• After the incision is made, the doctor pulls out the baby in a gentle way. The doctor will clean the baby’s mouth and nose and then clamp and cut the umbilical cord. The uterus is subsequently cleared of the placenta, and the wounds are stitched up.
• Similar to vaginal birth, you will be able to see your baby immediately.

Preparing Yourself for the C-section Delivery:

• Once your doctor has decided that C-section works for you, she will give you thorough instructions on what to do and avoid to reduce your risk of complications in a C-section delivery.
• Like in a normal pregnancy, there will be many appointments, which include blood tests and examinations to determine your health.
• Discuss your risk factors for caesarean delivery and what you can do to reduce them with your doctor during prenatal visits.
• Ensure that all of your questions are addressed and that you are aware of the potential outcomes in the event that you require early caesarean delivery.
• Having a second set of hands around the house will be beneficial because a C-section birth requires more time to recover from than natural birth.

After your C-section, do check for any signs of infection. You need to check for symptoms like:

• Fever
• The incision spot is red or swollen
• Leaking discharge from the incision spot
• Extreme pain
• Heavy bleeding

Seek medical care right away if you catch any of these symptoms.   If you wish to know more about C-section delivery or have doubts about pregnancy, you can visit Banker IVF, the best IVF clinic in Ahmedabad, and obtain the best guidance and treatment.