What is a C-Section?
A cesarean section is a common surgical procedure where a baby is delivered through an incision in the mother’s lower belly and uterus, rather than through the vagina.1 In most cases, a woman can be awake during the procedure and can be with her newborn immediately after.1
If you’ve had an uncomplicated pregnancy and are healthy, there’s a good change that you’ll be able to deliver your baby vaginally, through the birth canal.1 However, there are circumstances where a cesarean section is necessary for the health and safety of the mother or baby.1 Even if you plan to have a traditional, vaginal birth, take time to learn about C-sections so that you’re prepared, just in case.
Why Do Some Mothers Have Cesarean Sections?
Doctors may perform a C-section under a range of circumstances. Sometimes they’re planned, based on a set of qualifications determined by a mother and her doctor, and sometimes they’re unplanned, due to issues or complications during labour.
An unplanned C-section may be due to reasons including:
- The baby is showing signs of distress during labour, like a very slow or very fast heart rate.2
- An issue with the placenta or umbilical cord is putting the baby at risk.11
- Labour is slow to progress or stops completely.2
- The baby is too big to be delivered vaginally.1,2
In other scenarios, a doctor may schedule a C-section for a mother because they’re able to identify a health problem or pregnancy complication where C-section delivery may be safer than vaginal birth. Reasons for a planned C-section could include:3
- The placenta is covering the opening to the cervix, or the baby is in a position where a vaginal birth is impossible or unsafe.
- Your blood pressure or blood sugar is too high to safely handle labour.
- You are HIV positive and have a high viral load.
- You have genital herpes and are showing symptoms.
- You are pregnant with multiples.
- You had a C-section less than 18 months prior to your current due date.
- You had a previous cesarean birth and made an informed decision that subsequent births will also be via a C-section.
What Happens During a C-Section?
If you’re delivering your baby via a planned C-section, someone from your medical team may give you specific instructions to help you prepare.2 You may have a blood sample taken to check your blood type, hemoglobin level, and platelet level.3 You’ll also be instructed not to eat for eight hours prior to the procedure.3 You may continue to drink clear fluids up until two hours before your planned C-section. Every hospital may have slightly different eating and drinking recommendations prior to surgery, please confirm with the hospital where you are delivering.
Before a cesarean section begins, you’ll receive an IV so that you can receive fluids and necessary medicine for nausea and pain during your surgery.2 You’ll also be given a liquid antacid to reduce the acidity of your stomach content.3 Most doctors prefer for the mother to receive a spinal or epidural so that she can be awake during the surgery, but if the if you cannot have a spinal or an epidural, or if the situation becomes urgent, general anesthesia will be used.3
The epidural or spinal anesthesia will numb the lower part of your body so that you can be awake for the procedure and hold your baby immediately afterwards.3 A catheter will be inserted into your bladder to keep it empty and reduce the chance of injury to the bladder. Prior to the start of the surgery, your support person will be taken to the operating room.3
Your abdomen and pubic region will be washed with an antibacterial solution and a curtain will be hung across your chest to block your view of the proceedings.2 Your doctor will likely make the incision for your cesarean birth across the lower part of your abdomen, through muscle and fatty tissue, and then your uterus; this is commonly referred to as a “bikini” line (transverse incision).2,3,4 Your doctor may also elect to make the incision vertically, from your naval down to your pubic area.2 Most women have a transverse (bikini line) incision which is made 1-2 inches above the pubic hair line.
During the procedure, you shouldn’t feel any pain, but may notice some tugging or pressure. Your doctor should be able to lift your baby out within minutes, and will spend the remaining time removing the placenta, ensuring that you are safe, and repairing incisions in your uterus and abdomen.3 The incision in your uterus will be closed with dissolvable sutures and the outer incision may be closed with either staples or more dissolvable sutures.3
After a cesarean birth, you and your baby will be transferred to a recovery room or to your postpartum care room. Your doctors will:3,4
- Regularly check your vital signs like your blood pressure, oxygen level, and breathing rate to ensure that you are recovering properly.
- Press on your abdomen to check on the firmness of your uterus while you heal and observe the incision itself as well as any vaginal bleeding you experience.
- Provide medication for nausea and pain as well as any necessary antibiotics to help your healing process.
- Help you feed your baby after birth and suggest breastfeeding positions that are more comfortable to you after a C-section.
- Remove your catheter and epidural so that you can move around freely and use the restroom.
Are C-Sections Safe?
A C-section is a very common surgical procedure, but it is still considered a major surgery and therefore has some associated risks.1 Some of these risks include:1,2
- Blood loss
- Problems with anesthesia like nausea, vomiting, and headache
- Infection of the incision site on the abdomen or in the uterus
- Blood clots in the legs or lungs
- Bowel problems
- Injury to the bladder sustained during surgery
- Injury to the baby during delivery
Maternal death is also a potential outcome, though it is a very rare occurrence.2 About 2 in 100,000 c-sections result in the death of the mother, and the procedure is generally considered very safe.2 However, it is important to understand the risks associated with any surgery, especially one that can impact your growing family.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from a Cesarean Section?
Most mothers are able to go home from the hospital two days after having a C-section , but it may take 6 weeks or longer to fully recover.1 Before you leave the hospital, your care team will tell you how to properly care for your incision, what you can expect to experience during your C-section recovery , and when you should contact your doctor.1
Talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have about your pregnancy, giving birth, and whether you might want or need a C-section. Make sure you understand all the options available to you before you go into labour.