C-section delivery is also known as Cesarean or abdominal delivery. A C-section is a complex procedure that includes incisions in the uterus for childbirth. This process carries a lot of risks. It could be performed either by the choice of the patient or due to some emergency.
What is C - Section/ Cesarean Delivery?
C - section is a process of delivering a baby through an incision (cut) in the mother's abdomen and uterus. In this process, the delivery of an infant is not done through the vagina. C-section delivery is necessary in many cases like unprogressive labor pain, the large size of the baby, and so on. The C-section procedure is the last option for delivery. The level of risk in cesarean delivery is always higher than in vaginal delivery. Cesarion is the second option. It is used when the normal delivery puts the infant or mother in danger. C-sections could be planned or unplanned for multiple reasons.Why perform C-Section/ Cesarean Delivery?
C-section delivery contains more risk factors than vaginal delivery. Sometimes c-section is the choice of the patient. But, in some cases like high-risk pregnancies, c-section delivery is the only option. There are multiple reasons to go for Cesarean Delivery.- C-sections may be performed in the case of twins or triplets.
- Due to some health condition of the fetus.
- The fetus has extra fluid in the brain.
- The size of the child is too large to pass through the cervix.
- In case the mother is suffering from HIV or herpes.
- In case the mother has high blood pressure or diabetes.
- The mother previously went through a C-section delivery.
Risks Involved In C-Section delivery
C-section delivery may reduce the pain at the time of delivery, but at the same time, it includes several risks. Any surgery brings a bundle of risk factors along with it. Some of the c-section risks are listed below:- Infection in uterus
- Bleeding
- Injury to the bladder or bowel
- Blood clots
- Delayed return of bowel function
- Difficulty urinating and/or urinary tract infection
- Wound infection
- Abnormal separation of the placenta, especially in women with previous cesarean delivery.
C- Section Procedure
Once you have made your decision to go ahead with a c-section, the procedure starts. There are several processes that you need to follow before and after surgery. The time you reach the hospital, your doctor will explain the whole process in detail. You may also ask questions to get a clear picture. Inform your doctor if you have any kind of allergies. Disclose all kinds of health disorders to the doctor. During the C-Section procedure, the obstetrician or doctor makes a cut of at least 10 to 20 cm. Despite being fully conscious, the patient's lower body will remain pain-free with the help of epidural or spinal anesthesia.After The Procedure
After the c-section procedure, the doctor keeps the patient under observation for some time. The patient has to take the provided medication for better recovery. If having gas pain, the patient should move around or walk for a few minutes. The doctors will provide a diet plan depending on the condition. The patient gets discharged from the hospital soon after. The doctor will provide an appointment for follow-up. The patient should visit the hospital in case they feel any complications including:- Heavy bleeding
- Foul smell from the vagina
- Fever
- Leg pain or abdominal pain
- Increased pain, redness, or swelling at the incision site
Recovery After C-Section
Similar to any surgery, the recovery period of c-section delivery is longer than that vaginal delivery. The patient will experience much more pain than normal delivery. The doctor keeps the mother and infant under observation for around 2-3 days. In case of any complication, it may increase to 4-6 days. In the recovery period, the patient may feel itchy, sick in their stomach, or sore. These are the normal signs of recovery. These symptoms need no medical attention. Some of the initial symptoms after c-section delivery are:- Tiredness
- Soreness at the incision site
- Constipation and gas problems
- Difficulty in lifting the baby
Side Effects of Cesarean Section Delivery
After cesarean delivery, the patient may face several alarming symptoms. Some of those symptoms are:- fever
- worsening pain
- increased vaginal bleeding
- increased redness at the incision site
- drainage or swelling of the surgical incision
- breast pain with redness or fever
- foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- pain when urinating
Frequently Asked Questions About C-Section Delivery
1. What is Caesarean birth (C -Section)?
A cesarean birth (C-section) is a surgical procedure to deliver a baby. The doctor makes an incision (cut) in the front wall of the mother's abdomen & her uterus.2. When is C -The section necessary?
C-sections are recommended for women who carry high-risk pregnancies. A high-risk pregnancy means either the mother or the baby is at risk. Also, some mothers prefer to go for C-section to avoid the pain of normal vaginal delivery. Some of the indications are:- Prolapsed cord (cord comes before the baby)
- Disorders of the placenta
- Abnormal presentation of the baby - where the head does not come out first
- The pelvis is small & head of the baby is big
- Uncontrolled hypertension during pregnancy
- Too much or too little amniotic fluid around the baby
3. Who performs C - Section?
C-section is performed by a trained obstetrician along with a team of anaesthesiologist-trained nurses & other operating room staff. A pediatrician or child specialist is also present in the operation theatre to take care of the newborn baby.4. Where is C - The section performed?
A C-section is performed in the operation theatre of the delivery unit of the hospital.5. What kind of anesthesia is given for the C section?
Spinal anesthesia is given in the lower spinal cord (lower back). It makes the body numb from the abdomen to the feet, but the patient is awake during the surgery. The numbness lasts for 3-5 hours, depending upon the type of anesthesia used.6. How long does C-Section take?
The C-Section birth can take 10 to 15 minutes. Additionally, it takes 45 minutes to stitch up the uterus and abdominal incision.7. Will my husband be allowed inside the operating theatre?
Usually, in advanced Indian hospitals, the lady's husband is allowed inside the operation theatre. However, you should always confirm it from your doctor, if the hospital protocol permits so.8. What should I expect after the C-section?
- No doubt the couple & the family are overwhelmed by the birth of the baby. However, you may feel tired.
- Engorgement of breasts may make you feel uneasy.
- Women may experience mood swings/changes after the delivery.
- You may feel pain at the incision site, for which painkillers are given at regular intervals.
- Some patients may complain of nausea and vomiting, which is usually controlled by medications.
9. How long does it take to recover from C-Section?
It usually takes 2-6 weeks for incisions to heal & recover from the surgery. Mothers should take adequate rest. They should be able to get out of bed a couple of days before the C-section. They should take good nutrition and plenty of fluids. No prescribed medications should be neglected.10. What are the risks/complications of C-Section?
In the majority of cases, C-section is safe. However, there are a few risks either during the surgery or afterward. Some of the complications are:- Blood loss
- Anesthesia-related complications
- Pain at the site of spinal anesthesia
- Injury to other organs (urinary tract)
- Blood clot in lungs
- Injury during delivery
- Infection at the incision site
- Fever
- Severe pain at the incision site
- Scar at the incision site
11. Can the 2nd baby be delivered vaginally after the 1st baby was born via C - Section?
It is possible in some cases. You should consult with your doctor regarding the possibility of vaginal delivery after a C-section.12. What is more painful C - Section or Natural Birth?
At the time of delivery vaginal birth is more painful than C-section. But after the delivery, a c-section takes more time to recover and is painful.13. How long to wait for Sex After C - Section?
After c-section delivery, the women should wait at least 6 weeks before having sex. For more clarification, one should consult a doctor for the same.14. Cost of C-sections in various Hospitals in India?
The cost of the C - section varies with the type of hospital. To know the cost of C- section delivery in various Indian hospitals click here: C-section Cost in India.What are the Precautions after C Section?
- The patient should take complete rest and give time to the body for healing.
- Avoid lifting heavy objects.
- Try to drink more water to keep the body hydrated.
- Try to keep the activity level low until the healthcare provider suggests you do so.
- Consult the doctor if signs of infection are visible.
- Do not use tampons and douche.
- Try not to use stairs for some time as it may put unnecessary pressure on the abdomen.
- The mother should always follow the precautions provided by the doctor.
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