C-Section (Caesarean Section)
A caesarean section is a surgical procedure in which a baby is born through an incision (cut) made in the mother’s abdominal wall and the wall of the uterus (womb). Caesareans may be panned (elective) or unplanned (emergency). Elective caesareans are performed for reasons such as placenta praevia (where the placenta is in front of the birth canal), breech presentation, twin pregnancy, and for large babies, such as in diabetes. Caesareans may be performed as an emergency, especially where the labour is not progressing normally, or there are signs that the baby is not tolerating the labour (“fetal distress”), or when your blood pressure is uncontrollably high (severe pre-eclampsia).
If you have no serious problems with your pregnancy or labour, a vaginal birth is the safest way for your baby to be born. Most women have vaginal births (about two in every three births).
You have a right to be involved in and to make decisions about your care.
The C-Section Procedure
When the time comes, a nurse will bring you and your partner to the operating complex.
After an anaesthetic is administered, you will
- Lie down on an operating table and
- a catheter will be inserted to drain urine during your C-section and until you can attend to your own bathroom needs.
Dr Mariud or attending nurse will then set up a curtain above your chest to separate you from your surgical team (giving you both some privacy during your operation).
If you have regional anaesthesia (epidural or spinal), the method generally preferred by doctors and hospitals, you’ll be awake during the operation.
You won’t feel pain, but if you’ve had an epidural, you will probably feel pressure and pulling throughout the procedure.
Your partner is allowed to sit at your side during your operation.
Once your baby is born, the paediatrician in the same operating room will examine him or her and that takes 5-10 minutes.
The baby then is brought to your arms until the procedure is finished. You will then be moved to a post-op recovery room where you’ll be closely monitored, usually for the next one hours.
If all is going well, you’ll be moved to your hospital room.
Your Recovery After C-Section
Pain control usually, oral medicine, is ordered for you by Dr Mariud and the Anaesthetist. Some are given regularly and some as required.
Take your pain relief, and keep on top of it. Use your hospital stay to recover,
The bladder catheter will stay for at least 12 hours, that is usually removed the second morning after the procedure.
Having a pillow on hand can help tremendously during these days after surgery. Press it gently against your belly to help soften pain when walking or sneezing, and tuck it behind your back to help you feel more comfortable when sitting.
You will be going home from the hospital on Day 3-5 if all is good. The first week or two you are home don’t push yourself. You can also ease your recovery by continuing to be gently active and remembering not to lift anything heavier than your newborn.