When is a C-section necessary?
Some women, or their physicians, opt for a planned C-section delivery for several reasons. One of the most common reasons is that the woman has had previous C-sections and requires additional C-section deliveries for all subsequent births. If a woman had a C-section with her first birth, most major hospitals will allow her to try for a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) if she desires, but after two C-section births, each subsequent baby will need to be delivered by Cesarean as well. The reason for this is that each time an incision is made into the uterus, the risk of uterine rupture during a vaginal delivery increases. So, in order to provide for the safety of mom and baby, C-sections are completed for every birth after two previous Cesareans. Other reasons a woman may need to deliver via elective C-section are if she is carrying multiples (some twins can be born vaginally, but any more than two babies, C-sections are most common), if the baby is too large to fit through the mother's pelvis, if the baby is breech (either laying sideways, feet first, or bum first instead of head down), if the mother has placenta previa (where the placenta is partially or completely covering the opening of the cervix which will render vaginal delivery impossible), and occasionally for convenience or control over the baby's due date.
Aside from elective C-sections, Cesarean deliveries may become necessary if unforeseen complications arise during a vaginal delivery. Some of these complications include failed induction, stalled labor that is unresponsive to further stimulation, if the baby shows signs of distress (such as continual drops in heart rate) that cannot be resolved by changing positions or giving the mother oxygen, if the umbilical cord comes out first (which can cut off your baby's blood and oxygen supply), if the placenta becomes prematurely detached from the uterine wall (results in cutting off baby's oxygen supply), or other signs of danger to either mother or baby if a vaginal delivery is continued. Your doctor will make you aware of any potential need for a C-section and should spend as much time as the situation allows talking to you about why it may be necessary and what a C-section means for you and your baby. Feel free to ask about potential risks and benefits of a C-section for your particular circumstance.
What happens during a C-section?
If a C-section is deemed necessary or you elect for one, your will be asked to sign a consent form and your doctor or nurse will be available to answer any questions you might have about the procedure. An anesthesiologist will then come talk to you about pain management options; most likely you will be given a spinal block or epidural. Because you will be made completely numb, a catheter will be placed in your urethra to drain your bladder until you can get up and walk again after the surgery is over. For the most part, your partner or one support person will be allowed to stay in the operating room with you, but sometimes they may not be allowed into the room until you are completely prepped and ready for surgery. In extreme emergency situations, your partner may not be able to accompany you because time is of the essence.
Once prep is over and you are totally numb, a screen will be raised at your waist so you won't be able to see the surgery. Your arms may be strapped down during the surgery, but don't be alarmed, this isn't always the case. Procedures may differ from hospital to hospital and from doctor to doctor. If you are panicky or the surgery is an emergency, they may strap your arms to the arm boards. Otherwise, they may just have you place your arms down on the arm boards and ask you to keep them there without any straps. Your partner will be given a chair to sit at next to your head, but is usually welcome to peek over the drape if he wishes.
During the actual surgery, the doctor will spread an antiseptic solution over your stomach to clean the area. Then, he/she will make a relatively small cut right above your pubic bone, then continue cutting down through the layers of fat and tissue until he/she reaches the muscles. Your doctor will usually separate your muscles and move them out of the way manually rather than cut them. Once he/she reaches your uterus, he/she will typically make a small, horizontal incision in the uterine wall (sometimes a vertical incision is made if your baby is very premature or the uterus isn't thinned out enough). Your doctor will then remove your baby, clamp and cut the umbilical cord, then hand baby off to one of the nursing team. If you would like, they can lower the screen a little for you to see the actual delivery or they can show you baby over the screen after delivery before he/she is taken to be cleaned and evaluated. Your doctor will then deliver the placenta and start the process of closing up your incisions. Disolvable stitches will be used for any internal closings and then either stitches or staples will be used to close up the skin incision.
Given that your baby is in good health, he/she will be wrapped in a blanket and given to dad or your support person, who can hold baby next to your head while the doctor finishes stitching you up. If baby needs some extra help, he/she may be taken to the nursery or the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). After your are stitched up, you will be taken to a recovery room and monitored for a few hours. If baby is healthy, you can keep him/her with you and try to breastfeed if you wish. A C-section will require you to stay in the hospital a few days longer than a regular vaginal delivery so they can monitor you and keep an eye on how your incision is healing. Recovery can take longer and you will have to be very mindful of keeping your incision clean and watching for any signs of infection.
Source: www.babycenter.com
Disclaimer: The "Pregnancy, Babies, and Birth" blog series is meant as a source of general information only. It's intended use is to encourage women to further consider and discuss reproductive and birthing decisions themselves, with their partners, and with their medical care providers. Information included in this series is not intended to be professional medical advice or a substitution for a relationship with a licensed physician or practitioner. Any serious questions or concerns about reproductive, prenatal, and/or perinatal health should be directed to your primary care physician or other licensed specialist. Women's Services and Resources does not promote any particular brand, medical provider, birthing location, or any other specific birthing decisions. We strongly encourage women to become as educated about their choices as possible so they are empowered to make educated decisions for themselves and their babies. ADSENSE HERE