All About Cesarean Delivery
Cesarean section, also known as a C-section is the type of birth which is done by a surgical incision in the abdomen and uterus to allow the baby to be born safely when a vaginal birth is complicated or unsafe. In certain circumstances, a C-section is scheduled in advance due to the complexity of the case; on the other hand it can also be done in response to an unforeseen complication during natural birth.
Is Cesarean Delivery Safe?
C-section is safer for the baby when the baby’s heart beat suggests reduced oxygen supply and the baby is large to deliver vaginally. Babies who are in breech position or in traverse position are best delivered by Cesarean. Cesarean is considered by the doctor when there is a problem with the placenta or umbilical cord.
Mothers with health problems such as diabetes, heart disease or lung disease are advised to go in for a C-section. C-section may be recommended if mothers have genital herpes infection or any another condition that the baby might acquire while passing through the birth canal. Cesarean is the best for mothers carrying multiple babies as mostly one baby will be in the wrong position. In addition, some women request elective C-sections with their first babies; ideally to avoid labor or the possible complications of vaginal birth.
Post Cesarean Recovery
Recovery from a C-section takes longer than the recovery from a vaginal birth. Moreover like other types of major surgery, C-sections also carry a higher risk of complications. Babies born by C-section are more likely to develop a breathing problem marked by abnormally fast breathing during the first few days after birth and accidental indentures to the baby’s skin that may occur during surgery.
Mothers experience fever, chills, back pain, foul-smelling vaginal discharge and uterine pain caused when the lining of the uterus is infected. They are at a risk of developing blood clots inside veins especially in the legs or pelvic organs. Probability of infection around the incision site and urinary tract infection in the bladder or kidneys is high.
After a C-section, most mothers and babies stay in the hospital for about three days. Within the first 24 hours after C-section, mothers are encouraged to get up and walk. Moving around can speed up recovery and help prevent constipation and potentially dangerous blood clots. The health care team will monitor the incision for signs of infection. They also monitor the appetite, fluid intake and bladder and bowel function.
It takes about four to six weeks for a C-section incision to heal. Fatigue and discomfort are characteristic of C-section, but with good rest, right posture and medications mothers who undergo C-section are also back on the move.
