Caesarean delivery (C-section) is a surgical procedure used to deliver a baby through incisions in the abdomen and uterus. This might be a planned procedure or, in most cases, an emergency operation when a pregnant woman develops complications making vaginal birth impossible or dangerous.
What is a caesarean section?
This surgical procedure is named after Julius Caesar. It is alleged that he was so born. Probably unlikely to be true as, although caesarian births have been carried out since ancient times, in Rome it was usually only performed once the mother was dead. Caesar’s mother lived for many years after his birth, hence the unlikelihood.
The surgery should be carried out by an experienced and trained obstetrician. An incision of about 15 cm (6 inches) is then typically made through the mother’s lower abdomen (just below your bikini line). The uterus is then opened with a second incision and the baby delivered. The incisions are then stitched closed.
A caesarean is a major operation that carries several risks, so it is usually only done if it is the safest option for the pregnant woman and her baby.
Why caesareans are carried out?
A caesarean may be recommended as a planned (elective) procedure or done in an emergency if it is thought a vaginal birth is too risky.
Planned caesareans are usually done from the 39th week of pregnancy.
A caesarean may be carried out for several reasons and include the following:
• Abnormal position of the fetus. The fetus might be lying crossways.
• A low-lying placenta (placenta praevia). The afterbirth is too low.
• Uncontrolled pregnancy-related high blood pressure (pre-eclampsia/ eclampsia).
• The developing fetus is not getting enough oxygen and nutrients. Sometimes this may mean the baby needs to be delivered immediately.
• Labour is not progressing or there is excessive vaginal bleeding.
• If the woman is carrying twins and the leading baby is in an abnormal position, or if she is having triplets or more babies.
• If the pregnant woman is having a severe health problem such as a heart or brain condition. A C-section is also recommended if she is having an active genital herpes infection at the time of labour.
There might be other reasons for a C-section, but your obstetrician will always explain the reason for the procedure and explain the entire process. The type of anaesthesia to be used will also be discussed as well.
Who long does a C-section take?
The whole operation normally takes about 40 to 45 minutes, but it might take longer if there are complications. The fetus is usually delivered in a few minutes.
Recovering after C-section
Recovering from a caesarean usually takes longer than recovering from a vaginal delivery.
The average stay in hospital after a caesarean is around 2 or 3 days, compared with an average of 1 or 2 days for a vaginal birth.
You may experience some discomfort in your abdomen(tummy) for the first few days. Painkillers will be used to relieve this pain.
Following discharge from hospital, the woman needs to take things easy for the first few days. You may need to avoid some activities, such as driving, until you have had been given the OK by your obstetrician. Your obstetrician would give you instructions on follow up appointments.
The wound in your abdomen will eventually form a scar. This may be obvious at first, but it should fade with time and will often be hidden in your pubic hair.
Risks of a C-section
A caesarean is generally a very safe procedure but, like any type of surgery, it carries a certain number of risks. Your obstetrician will explain these risks. The most common risks include excessive bleeding, infection, blood clots, and damage to nearby areas such as the bladder or the tubes that connect the kidneys and bladder.
Future pregnancies after a caesarean section
If a woman has a baby by caesarean section, it does not necessarily mean that any babies she might have in the future will also have to be delivered this way.
Some women who have had a caesarean section can safely have a vaginal delivery for their next baby, known as vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC). They will need some extra monitoring during labour just to make sure everything is progressing well. Some women may be advised to have another caesarean if they have another baby. This depends on whether a caesarean is still the safest option for them and their baby.
Conclusion
A C-section is a surgical operation used to deliver a fetus rather than the normal vaginal route. The surgery could be planned in advanced, but most cases are done as an emergency procedure during labour. The operation is carried out by a trained and experienced obstetrician when it is the best option for both pregnant woman and her developing fetus.
Ask Your Dr is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. The reader should consult his or her physician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field are ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.
Dr Brett Hodge MB BS DGO MRCOG is an obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor with over thirty-six years in clinical practice. Dr Brett Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 497 5828).
