The history of Cesarean delivery or the c-section is very lengthy. However, we’re not here to talk about the history of the c-section. We just wanted our readers to keep in mind that this surgical birthing procedure dates back, in some records, as far as the 1500s and further.
A c-section is a procedure where the doctors have to cut into your womb to extract your baby. An incision is made through a woman’s abdomen and uterus in order to remove the baby safely.
Why Women Have C-Sections
Sometimes a c-section a c-section is planned in advance if there have already been complications with the pregnancy for either you or the baby. If a woman has already had a cesarean delivery and feels it’s safest to have a c-section rather than giving vaginal birth.
The first time a woman has to have a c-section isn’t typically obvious until they’re already in labor. Simply put, a C-section is ordered when it is the safer option for you and the baby than vaginal delivery.
- When a woman is in labor, but there hasn’t been any progression. A stalled labor is one of the more common reasons a doctor will order a C-section. There are a few different reasons for a stalled labor, one of them being that the cervix isn’t opening wide enough despite the strength of contractions for a matter of hours.
- If there are changes in the baby’s heartbeat, or it’s abnormal, the doctor will likely arrange a C-section. Any distress like the baby being in an abnormal position that causes dangerous risks or irregular heartbeat will cause your healthcare provider to request a Cesarean delivery.
- If there’s more than one bun in the oven, there’s a possibility that the birth will be a cesarean delivery. Having multiples can be tricky; the babies can get into awkward, and even dangerous positions, leading to a c-section surgery. Sometimes multiple babies in the womb leads to a c-section because there’s only so much space in there for all those bodies.
- Placenta previa is a problem where the placenta covers the opening of the cervix. A C-section is usually recommended for a delivery.
- A prolapsed umbilical cord happens when the umbilical cord gets trapped between the baby and the pelvic bone which cuts off the blood supply, depleting the oxygen, and we don’t want that. A C-section is definitely in order for this situation.
It’s safe to say that in any situation where the baby or mother are at risk of harm or worse, a cesarean delivery is the outcome. If you’ve already had an experience that led to having a c-section previously, you could opt in for another to avoid potential risk.
Risks
Just because a c-section is performed to save those involved doesn’t mean there aren’t any risks involved. If only everything always went well! Any surgery comes with a risk.
Potential Risk To Your Baby
Breathing Problems: Babies that are born by C-section are more likely to develop Transient Tachypnea. Transient tachypnea is a breathing issue where the breathing is abnormally fast breathing during the first couple of days after birth.
Surgical Injury: On a rare occasion, an accidental nick can occur during surgery. A situation like this can range from extremely mild to dangerous with a risk of infection.
Potential Risks To You
Infection: There’s a chance that the incision from the c-section can become infected. The lining of the uterus is also a potential infection site.
Postpartum Hemorrhage: Heavy bleeding may occur during and after a cesarean surgery.
Negative Reaction To Anesthesia: Any time anesthetics are used, there’s a risk of adverse reactions to the type of anesthesia used.
Blood Clots: C-sections increase the risk of developing a blood clot in a deep vein.
Surgical Injury: Accidents can happen. More often than not, surgery goes alright, but there are times when an accident occurs.
C-Section Recovery
Your physician will explain how to prepare for your c-section surgery, as well as how to handle your specific recovery. We’re going to cover the general basics.
The recovery process is mostly uncomfortable and somewhat painful. Expect to feel fatigue. To help with recovery and fatigue:
- Rest as often as you can
- Relax and take it easy
- No heavy-duty chores
- Don’t lift anything heavier than the baby for the first few weeks
- Avoid lifting from a squatting pose
- Soak in a warm Epsom salt bath
- Postpartum belly binders will help with achy guts and posture
Your doctor will be able to give you more accurate information regarding your body and your surgery. Every woman is different, so there will be some slight differences in procures.
