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A cesarean section is surgery to remove the baby at birth. This procedure is performed if the mother is unable to deliver vaginally, if the vaginal delivery is dangerous to the mother or baby, if the mother has had a cesarean section in the last birth, or simply if the person is mothers prefer a caesarean birth over natural birth Some caesarean sections are performed on request. If you are planning a cesarean section or preparing for the necessary caesarean section, you should know the details of the procedure, do the necessary tests and plan it together with your doctor in the hospital.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Understanding caesarean section procedure

1. 

   Understand the reasons for the cesarean section. Depending on your pregnancy status, your doctor may recommend a cesarean section due to medical problems that could affect your baby's health. Caesarean section may be recommended as a precaution if:
   • You have chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure or kidney disease.
   • You have infectious diseases like HIV or active genital herpes.
   • There are risks to the health of the fetus due to disease or birth defects. If the pregnancy is too large and unsafe for normal delivery, your doctor may also recommend a caesarean section.
   • You are overweight. Obesity can cause other risk factors that require a cesarean section.
   • The fetus is in the buttock, which means the baby's legs or buttocks will come out first and cannot turn around.
   • You had a cesarean section in your last birth.

2. 

   
   
   Know how doctors perform surgery. You will be introduced to tips to prepare you mentally. In general, most cesarean sections follow the following steps:
   • Upon entering the hospital, the medical staff will wash your abdomen and insert the tube into your bladder to collect urine. You will receive fluids and medications before and during the intravenous surgery in your arm.
   • Most cesarean sections are subject to local anesthesia, which means that only the lower body is anesthetized. This also means that you will stay awake during the surgery and have a chance to see the baby being removed from the uterus. The most common anesthetic is spinal anesthesia. Anesthetic is injected into the cavity around the spinal cord. If you have to have an emergency cesarean section during labor, you will be under general anesthesia and will be completely anesthetized during the operation.
   • The doctor will make a horizontal incision on the abdominal wall, near the pubic bone. If rapid pregnancy is needed in an emergency, the doctor will make a vertical incision from below the navel to close to the pubic bone.
   • Then the doctor will incision the uterus. About 95% of cesareans are performed with a horizontal incision in the lower part of the uterus, as the muscles at the base of the uterus are thinner, resulting in less bleeding during surgery. If the fetus is at an abnormal position or is low in the uterus, a vertical incision will be made.
   • The baby is then removed through an incision in the uterus. The doctor will suck up the amniotic fluid from the baby's mouth and nose, and then clamp and cut the umbilical cord. You may feel a tugging sensation when the doctor removes the baby from the uterus.
   • Your doctor will remove the placenta from your uterus, check it to make sure your reproductive organs are healed, and use sutures for the incision. Then you can meet your baby and breastfeed on the delivery table.

3. 

   
   
   Remember that there are risks associated with cesarean section. Some women decide to ask for a cesarean section. However, the American Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that pregnant women and their doctors have a normal birth plan unless a cesarean section is required for medical reasons. A caesarean section can only take place after you have seriously discussed the surgery with your doctor and understood the possible risks.
   • Caesarean section is considered major surgery and you are more likely to lose blood than with a normal delivery. Recovery time after cesarean section is also longer, about 2-3 days in hospital. Caesarean section is also major abdominal surgery and takes up to 6 weeks to fully recover. If you have a cesarean section, you will be more likely to have complications in future pregnancies. Your doctor may recommend that you cesarean section in the next births to prevent rupture of the uterus, the uterus being punctured according to the old scar during normal delivery. However, depending on where you are planning to give birth and the reason for the cesarean delivery, some cases can happen normally after a cesarean section.
   • There are also risks associated with the surgery, as you will be under local anesthesia and may experience anaphylaxis with the anesthetic. You also have a high risk of developing a blood clot in a vein in your legs or pelvic organs as a result of surgery, and it's also likely that the incision will become infected.
   • Caesarean section can lead to health problems for the baby such as transient tachypnea, abnormally fast breathing in the first few days after birth. In addition, if a cesarean section is performed early (less than 39 weeks), your baby is at increased risk of breathing problems. There is also a risk of your baby being injured by surgery because a doctor accidentally cuts the skin.

4. 

   
   
   Understand the benefits of a cesarean section. A planned cesarean section allows you to plan for your birth, be more active as the birth takes place, and to some extent predict the process of labor and the baby. Unlike an emergency cesarean section, a planned cesarean section is less likely to have complications such as an infection, and many women do not experience any adverse reactions to anesthetics or sudden damage to abdominal organs.In addition, a caesarean section will prevent damage to the perineum during labor, which can lead to bowel problems.
   • If the fetus is too large, has a "giant" fetus, or you have multiple pregnancies, your doctor may recommend a cesarean section as the safest option for your delivery. Caesarean section reduces the risk of infection for the baby.
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Part 2 of 3: Planning a cesarean section with your doctor

1. 

   Do the necessary tests. The doctor will do blood tests to prepare for the caesarean section. These tests will provide important information such as blood type and hemoglobin level if a blood transfusion is required during surgery.
   • You should also let your doctor know about any medications you are taking, just in case your medication could complicate the surgery.
   • Your doctor will recommend that you speak with the anesthesiologist to rule out any conditions that may increase the risk of complications during anesthesia.

2. 

   Schedule an operation. The doctor will recommend the best time to schedule the surgery, based on the health needs of mother and baby. Some women schedule an operation at 39 weeks based on their doctor's recommendation. If you have a healthy pregnancy, your doctor will recommend a caesarean section with your due date.
   • Once you have chosen a cesarean section date, you should also include the date of the cesarean section in your birth plan and fill out the pre-registration form at the hospital.

3. 

   Know what happened the night before the surgery. The doctor will talk about procedures for the night before the cesarean section such as, not eating, drinking or smoking after midnight. Do not eat a small piece of food, not even candy, at the same time do not drink water.
   • You should try to get a good night's sleep the night before your surgery. Take a shower before going to the hospital, but do not shave your pubic hairs as this increases your risk of infection. Hospital staff can shave your abdomen and pubic hair if needed.
   • If you have iron deficiency, your doctor may suggest that you increase your iron intake through iron-rich foods and supplements. Caesarean section is considered major surgery, you will lose blood, and the high iron content will help your body recover.

4. 

   Decide who will be in the operating room during the surgery. When planning a cesarean section, you should tell your partner or support person what happens before, after, and during surgery. Make it clear that your husband or support person will be present during the delivery as well as with you and your baby after the surgery.
   • Many hospitals allow an assistant to sit next to you during surgery and to take pictures of your baby's birth. Your doctor may allow at least one support person to stay in the delivery room.
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Part 3 of 3: Recovering from a C-section

1. 

   Plan to stay in the hospital for at least two to three days. After the anesthetic wears off, a pump will be used to help you adjust the dose of the IV pain reliever. Your doctor will encourage you to get up and walk again early after surgery, as this can speed recovery and prevent constipation and blood clots.
   • Nurses will also monitor the incision for signs of infection, the amount of fluid you drink, and bladder and bowel activity. You should start breastfeeding as soon as possible, as skin contact and breastfeeding are great moments of bonding between mother and baby.

2. 

   Ask your doctor about pain relievers and home care. Before you leave the hospital, your doctor will advise you about any pain medications and precautions you may need, such as vaccinations. The shots will be kept updated to keep you and your baby healthy.
   • Remember that if you breastfeed, you may need to avoid certain medications or ask your doctor about medicines that are safe for both mother and baby.
   • Your doctor will also explain the process of "uterine contraction", in which your uterus will shrink to the size it was before pregnancy, and fluid production. Heavy red bleeding can occur for up to 6 weeks. You will need to use the super absorbent tampon usually provided by the hospital after the delivery, and not the tampon while you recover.

3. 

   Take care of yourself and your baby while you recover at home. Recovery from a cesarean delivery can take up to two months, so don't rush, and should also limit physical activity. Do not lift anything heavier than a baby, and avoid chores.
   • Rely on your fluid output to adjust your activity level, because your output will be more if you exercise too much. Gradually the discharge will change from a pale pink or dark red color to a lighter or yellowish color. Do not use a tampon or douche until the discharge is over. Don't have sex until your doctor says it's safe.
   • Maintain moisture in the body by drinking plenty of fluids while eating a healthy, balanced diet. This will help your body recover, while also preventing bloating and constipation. It's a good idea to put a changing room for diapers and baby equipment near where you lie down so you don't have to wake up too much.
   • Watch out for a high fever or stomach ache, as both are signs of infection. If any of these symptoms appear, you should see your doctor.
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Advice

• Consider hiring postpartum caregivers for mothers after giving birth.