Cesarean Section
What to Expect
Knowing what to expect can help you be prepared if you need a cesarean section .
• Regional ( spinal or epidural ) anesthesia is used most often . General anesthesia ( when you are put to sleep ) is used only for emergencies or when medical reasons prevent spinal or epidural anesthesia .
• An IV and bladder catheter will be placed .
• Once you are in the operating room , a drape is placed in front of you to keep the surgical field sterile . Some facilities offer a clear drape to allow parents to see the birth . Usually one support person may accompany you in the operating room .
• Once surgery begins , the baby is usually born quickly . The majority of surgery time is needed for repairs .
• The safest and most common incision is low transverse , a horizontal cut along the bikini line . Other incisions used more rarely include classical ( a vertical cut ) or T-shaped .
• After the baby and placenta have been delivered , the incision in the uterus will be sutured , then your skin will be sutured or stapled and bandaged .
• After repairs , you will be taken to a recovery room , where your vitals will be monitored for several hours .
• Usually within six to eight hours after birth , you will be encouraged to get up and walk .
Preview
If you have a cesarean , make sure you follow all recovery instructions and notify your health care provider right away if you notice any signs of infection , sharp or sudden pain at your incision , or tenderness , pain , redness or swelling in your leg ( s ). See page 57 for more details on cesarean recovery .
If you were planning a vaginal birth and a cesarean becomes necessary , consider how to make the experience positive . Keep your partner with you , have someone take photos , and have your partner announce the baby ’ s sex . Request skin-to-skin contact with the baby in the operating room or as soon as possible and delay newborn procedures until after bonding and breastfeeding .
If your labor results in an unplanned cesarean , it is important that you allow yourself to grieve the loss of the experience you wanted . If you are struggling , talk to a trusted friend , counselor , or seek help from a support group .
Avoiding a Cesarean
Sometimes , a cesarean is unavoidable . However , research shows that these steps can reduce the likelihood of needing a cesarean :
• Stay as healthy as possible during your pregnancy . Eat well and exercise .
• Use a health care provider and birth place with low cesarean rates .
• Become well-informed about labor and birth , including comfort measures , interventions and your preferences .
• Avoid unnecessary medical interventions , including labor induction .
• Stay active and upright during labor .
• Hire a doula .
Labor and Birth 30