What is a cesarean delivery

The surgical delivery of the baby by making an incision through the mother’s abdomen and the uterus is called cesarean delivery. It is also known as the cesarean section or C-section. Generally, cesarean delivery is done when there are certain complications in performing normal delivery and is determined unsafe for mother, baby, or both.

Why cesarean delivery is done

There are different reasons which could compel the doctor to go for a cesarean section, among which the most common is the safety of your child and you. The doctor may recommend a C-section under the following circumstances:

• When the labor is not progressing even after the completion of the gestational period
• When the cervix is not opening despite strong contractions for hours
• When the baby is in distress, and there are changes in his heartbeats
• When the baby is in an abnormal position either breech or transverse
• When you are carrying multiples, and the babies are not in a normal position
• If there is placenta previa, a condition wherein the placenta covers the opening of your cervix.
• If the loop of umbilical cord slips through the cervix ahead of your baby, a condition called a prolapsed umbilical cord.
• If you have any health concern related to heart or brain or active genital herpes infection at the time of labor
• If there are mechanical obstructions like a large fibroid obstructing the birth canal
• If you have had a previous cesarean section, the chances of following deliveries in a similar way increase.

Other than these reasons, today, many women prefer C-sections to avoid labor pain and the complications that may arise by vaginal birth. It is also done for planned delivery.

How cesarean delivery is done

The doctor will prepare the patient in advance for the cesarean delivery and give all the required instructions to lower down the chances of complications to achieve a successful surgery. It will involve checkups, including blood tests and other examinations that will determine your health and medical condition, to take the surgery.

You will be given anesthesia, which could be general, spinal, or epidural. You will also have a catheter put in to keep your bladder empty during the surgery. When you have been medicated properly and made numbed, an incision is made in the skin and into the uterus at the lower part of the mother’s abdomen. It could be made vertically or transverse. In the case of vertical, the incision will extend from navel to pubic hairline, and in transverse, it will be across the pubic hairline.

Although the type of incision is based on the condition of mother and fetus, transverse is often used due to the following reasons:

• It heals well
• There is less bleeding
• It increases the chances for vaginal birth in the future pregnancy

After the second incision, the doctor will remove the baby from the uterus and cut the umbilical cord. The baby is then transferred to the hospital staff to prepare it to put it into your arms.

It would be best if you cleared all the doubts regarding cesarean delivery with your gynecologist. Make sure you know the possible complications that may arise during and after the c-section. Recovery takes more time in cesarean delivery than normal vaginal delivery. Also, you need to take proper rest to avoid complications and increase the chances of faster healing of the stitches.

Dr. Sumina Reddy is one of the best Women Health Care Specialist in Hyderabad and a renowned gynecologist. You can completely trust Dr. Sumina Reddys clinic to get the best treatment during the entire pregnancy journey. The personalized approach towards every patient ensures the best treatment and smooth delivery.