C-Section

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KEY POINTS

• A C-section is a procedure to deliver a baby through a cut in your belly and uterus.
• A C-section may be planned or it may be done in an emergency. The procedure will be done at the hospital with anesthesia to keep you from feeling pain.
• You may stay in the hospital 2 to 4 days after your baby is born. Ask your provider what symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if you have them at home.

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What is a C-section?

A C-section is a procedure to deliver a baby through a cut in your belly and uterus. The uterus (womb) is the muscular organ at the top of the vagina. Babies grow in the uterus, and menstrual blood comes from the uterus.

C-sections can save the lives of newborns and their mothers. They can help prevent problems that may happen if it takes too long for a baby to be born. Delivering the baby by C-section may be safer for both you and the baby.

Most women who go into labor have a normal vaginal delivery. However, you and your healthcare provider should discuss your options early in your pregnancy if there is a possibility that you will need a C-section. This will help you prepare for surgery if it is suddenly necessary.

This procedure is also called a cesarean section or cesarean delivery.

When is it used?

A C-section may be planned before you go into labor, or it may be done in an emergency. It may be done because of a health problem you have or a problem your baby has. Reasons for having a C-section include:

• Twins or triplets
• The baby is too large to pass through your birth canal
• Your cervix (opening to your womb) may not open fully or you may not be able to push your baby far enough into the birth canal for a safe delivery
• Waiting to go into labor or having a vaginal delivery may be dangerous because your blood pressure is high. High blood pressure during pregnancy and delivery can lead to seizures, stroke, or dangerous bleeding.
• The placenta (the organ attached to your womb that provides nutrition for your baby) is covering the opening of your cervix. This can cause severe bleeding during a vaginal delivery.
• You previously had a C-section with a vertical cut (up and down) in your uterus, or other surgery on your uterus. The scar from your previous operation might open during labor, especially if the cut went through the inside lining of your uterus.
• You have an infection such as HIV or herpes
• Your baby is in a breech position when labor starts, which means that your baby's bottom, knees, or feet will come out before the head
• Your baby is in distress. If your baby’s heartbeat is too fast, too slow, or too irregular during labor it could mean that continuing labor might hurt the baby.
• Your baby has a birth defect or a medical problem that would make a vaginal delivery unsafe.

How do I prepare for a C-section?

• Make plans for your care and recovery after you have the procedure. Allow for time to rest and try to find other people to help with your day-to-day tasks and the care of your newborn baby for the first week or two after you come home from the hospital.
• You may or may not need to take your regular medicines the day of the procedure. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines and supplements that you take. Some products may increase your risk of side effects. Ask your healthcare provider if you need to avoid taking any medicine or supplements before the procedure.
• Tell your healthcare provider if you have any food, medicine, or other allergies such as latex.
• Ask any questions you have before the procedure. You should understand what your healthcare provider is going to do. You have the right to make decisions about your healthcare and to give permission for any tests or procedures.
• If you smoked during your pregnancy, follow your provider's instructions about not smoking before and after the procedure. Smokers may have more breathing problems during the procedure and heal more slowly. It’s best to quit 6 to 8 weeks before the procedure.
• Your healthcare provider will tell you when to stop eating and drinking before the procedure. This helps to keep you from vomiting during the procedure.
• If you are planning to have a C-section and you go into labor or have contractions or bleeding, call your healthcare provider right away.
• Follow any other instructions your healthcare provider gives you.

What happens during the procedure?

The procedure will be done at the hospital.

You will be given medicine called anesthesia to keep you from feeling pain. Depending on the medicine, you may be awake or asleep during the procedure.

Your healthcare provider will make a cut below your belly button and into the lower part of your uterus to remove the baby. Your provider will deliver the baby through the incision, cut the umbilical cord, and remove the placenta. Your provider will then close the cut in your uterus with stitches that will dissolve inside your body. The skin will be closed with removable staples or dissolvable stitches.

What happens after the procedure?

If you are awake during surgery, you can usually hold your baby right away. You will be taken to your room or a recovery room to be watched after surgery. The nurses will check your blood pressure, your breathing, the amount of bleeding, and your belly.

Let your provider know if you are planning to breast feed. You may be able to breastfeed right away after a C-section. Your belly will be sore. You may need help with positioning your baby comfortably for feeding. Walking and standing will be uncomfortable for the first few days.

You may have nausea, vomiting, or constipation after the procedure. Your healthcare provider may give you medicine or recommend other ways to treat these problems. Your provider may also give you an antibiotic to take after the surgery to help prevent an infection.

You will stay in the hospital for 2-4 days after a C-section.

The cut made in the uterus to deliver the baby is usually horizontal (across the womb). This allows the muscles in the womb to safely stretch the next time you give birth. Many women who have had a C-section are able to deliver their next baby through the birth canal when the cut is horizontal.

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions. Ask your provider:

• How long it will take to recover
• If there are activities you should avoid and when you can return to your normal activities, including when to resume exercise, sexual activities, and tampon use
• How to take care of yourself at home
• What symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if you have them

Make sure you know when you should come back for a checkup. Keep all appointments for provider visits or tests.

What are the risks of this procedure?

Every procedure or treatment has risks. Some possible risks of this procedure include:

• You may have problems with anesthesia.
• You may have infection, bleeding, or blood clots.
• Your uterus or other parts of your body may be injured during the surgery.
• Any future children may need to be delivered by C-section.
• The baby might be hurt during the surgery.

Ask your healthcare provider how these risks apply to you. Be sure to discuss any other questions or concerns that you may have.