Caesarean Sections

...Your Guide & Resource To Caesareans

Caesarean Sections: How & Why They Are Done

Today more than 20 percent of all births are delivered via cesarean section. A cesarean section, commonly known as a C-section, is an operation in which a doctor makes an incision in the abdomen to reach the uterus and fetus. Some of the main reasons for C-section deliveries are failure of labor to progress, repeat cesarean, multiple births, premature labor, baby in breech position or fetal distress. Although a C-section is a common procedure, many women are unaware of how the procedure is performed, or their chances of having a cesarean section.

In order for a natural labor to occur, three factors must be achieved. There must be strong enough contractions to dilate the cervix to ten centimeters, the fetus must be able to transcend through the birth canal, and the pelvis must be large enough to allow the baby to make the trip down the birth canal. If these three factors do not occur, then it is called "failure to progress." In a case, where little dilation has occurred, a doctor will let a laboring mother continue to labor 24 hours or more to allow the opportunity for a natural delivery, as long as neither the baby nor the mother are showing any signs of distress. If, after twenty-four to forty-eight hours, dilation has not progressed, a C-section will most likely be performed.

When labor continues over a long period of time, doctors tend to take extra precautions to ensure that both mother and baby show no signs of extreme exhaustion or over exertion. If the baby's heart rate slows or accelerates too quickly or shows no signs of activity, most often he is considered to be showing signs of fetal distress. Because the risk of infection and oxygen deprivation is high after a prolonged labor, any sign of distress usually calls for an emergency C-section.

Another frequent reason for cesarean sections is complications during a pregnancy. If a mother develops a complication such as toxemia, also known as preeclampsia, then it is highly likely that she will have to have a C-section before her expected due date. It is common for those mothers who have developed Gestational Diabetes, a condition which often causes babies to gain more weight in utero, to have to forego a natural birth in order to make sure that the baby is born with an average and healthy birth weight.

Once it has been determined that a cesarean section will be performed, several things must take place. First, depending on the hospital's procedure, an epidural is administered by an anesthesiologist. Then a nurse will insert a catheter to empty the bladder. To cleanse the area for surgery, the abdomen is washed thoroughly with antiseptic and iodine, and the pubic area is shaved. If an IV was not already inserted during labor, one will be started to administer the necessary fluids that will be needed during surgery.

In the operating room, there will be several nurses, the doctor and anesthesiologist. In most cases, the partner is allowed in the operating room as well. Oxygen tubes will be inserted in the nose during the actual procedure. Once the incision has been made, most mothers experience a tugging sensation as the baby is being removed. It is common to experience a heaviness around the chest or abdominal area. After the baby has been removed, he is quickly cleaned, checked, weighed and wrapped in blankets. The closing of the incision usually takes anywhere from fifteen to thirty minutes long.

After the surgery, the mother is taken to a recovery room for about thirty minutes for observation. After the catheter is removed, usually after twenty-four hours, the mother is encouraged to try and walk, sponge bathe and groom. If there are no complications, mother and baby are usually released from the hospital within three or four days.

The most difficult part of the cesarean section is the recovery. Getting in and out of bed, climbing stairs, or using the bathroom will be challenging and painful. It is recommended that mothers who have just had a C-section avoid lifting heavy objects or driving.

It is apparent that cesarean sections are becoming a common way of bringing babies into the world. While a natural labor is preferred, it is important to understand the chances of having to forego a natural delivery because of complications. It is also key to that mothers discuss all options and possible complications during her labor and delivery with her care giver.

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