C Section Birth - Know The Facts

With my first baby I kept saying all I wanted was a C section birth (also known as cesarean or cesarean section) for the simple reason I didn't want the pain of a normal childbirth. I was very niave to the facts of cesarean childbirth and cesarean recovery.

There are two types of c-sections, elective cesarean and emergency cesarean. With the first one, you have a choice, and the second you don't.

So why would you choose a c section birth?

Some women just can't stand the thought of delivering thier baby vaginally (Exactly how I felt at first) Some have perhaps had a bad experience with natural childbirth in the past. Others just want the delivery planned to fit in with their schedule. Elective cesarean is a choice that you can make, but you may have to go private. A c section birth will cost the hospital alot more money than a normal childbirth.

Occasionally, and normally for medical reason here in the UK, your doctor may decide on an elective cesarean for you and your baby.From what I've read, the USA works different to our system, we have the NHS. Whereas in the US the majority of medical treatment has to be paid for. A c section can be alot less time consuming for the doctor, than a baby being delivered vaginally. So if you are in the US, you may be offered or advised to have a section, even if you don't need one.

When you don't get a choice!

Alot of women would rather have a normal birth, where the baby is delivered naturally. Occasionally things will go wrong, and a c section birth is an absolute must. So what can go wrong? There are alot of things that can happen to make your doctor decide that you cannot have, or cannot carry on with a normal birth, here are a few.

You could be having a very long labour with no signs of it progressing.

You could have what's classed as a 'high risk foetus' where normal delivery would pose a serious risk.

If the baby is in distress.

If the baby is breech or transverse.

If the baby is too big for a normal delivery.

If you are having twins,triplets or more.

If you cannot push your baby out, and forceps and ventouse are still not helping, then c section birth is likely.

If you have pre-eclampsia.

If you have any placental problems like placental abruption or placenta praevia.

If you have any illness or medical condition where normal childbirth would threaten your health.

There are of course many more reasons why a emergency cesarean could be needed. Your doctor or midwife would explain the problem, and the reasons why they believe it should be carried out.

Here in UK, a woman is quite within her rights (and within the law) to refuse a cesarean. Even if this could cause serious risk (or even death) to herself or her unborn baby.

Cesarean section procedure

Firstly you (or your next of kin) will need to sign a consent form, stating that you agree to the operation.

Then the preparations carried out will depend on whether it is elective or an emergency. Jewellery should be removed. You may be asked to shave the top of your pubic hair, obviously if this is an emergency you won't have to do it yourself! You will have a drip attached to your hand or arm. You will then be given an epidural or spinal anaesthetic, and also have a catheter fitted (as you won't be able to feel if you need to go wee!)

Occasionally and for various reasons, a general anaesthetic may given instead of a local.

The operation itself doesn't last for long, maybe 10 or 15 minutes. You will be taken into theatre, and a screen will be placed between you and the surgeons. In the theatre you will notice there are quite alot of people, surgeons, midwives, nurse, peadiatrician and so on. Don't panic when you see all of these people. It is totally normal for them all to be there during a c section birth.

The surgeon will make a cut in the abdominal wall and then the uterus, and will lift your baby out. my friend described the feeling of someone tugging around inside her tummy. There won't be any pain though, just odd feelings. After the surgeon has removed the baby, you will see him for a short second above the screen, he will then be taken and cleaned up. So long as your baby's health is ok, he will be brought straight back over to you.The surgeon will then remove the placenta and start to sew you back up. This process takes the longest time.

C section recovery

After a c section your hospital stay could be anything from a few days, to a week or more.You will be given lots of help and advice. A c section birth is a serious operation and you will need lots of time to recover. You will be given pain killing drugs for the first few days. Some one will come round and help you to get up and out of bed, this is normally the day after the birth. You will also be shown some exercises to reduce the risk of blood clotting.If you have any problems tell a midwife and get them sorted before you go home!

When you get home you will need rest. Don't put any unnecessary strain on the wound by trying to be super-mum straight away! Leave that until your tummy has heeled ;-) Full recovery can take a number of weeks (sometimes months), but there are a few things that can aid this process. Don't wear tight fitting clothes (even undies) as these can put pressure on the wound. Do get as much help as possible with your new baby, and any household chores you feel need doing. No heavy lifting, and be very careful if stretching (if possible don't stretch at all!) You may be advised against driving your car for quite a while, (normally around 6 weeks)

Your midwife will visit as often as you wish, and will keep a check on your stitches. If the area starts to look red or inflamed, or if after the initial pain wears off it starts to hurt again, let your midwife or doctor know. This could be a sign of infection. Also if you have a high temperature get yourself checked out, as this could also be a sign of infection. Slowly but surely everything will start to return to normal.

return from C section birth to Childbirth or back to New baby and beyond homepage