The Cesarean Section

For most expectant couples, the childbirth process is a smooth, natural one, with everything happening by the book. However there are times when your doctor may have to take matters into his own hands by performing a Cesarean. Other times, couples may actually choose to have a Cesarean for scheduling reasons. Whatever the case, if a Cesarean is part of your birthing experience, there are important facts to bear in mind.

The primary point to remember is that a Cesarean is a major surgical procedure and should never be taken lightly. For the most part, a Cesarean is indicated for certain serious medical complications including prolapsed cord, or the cord presenting first; placenta abruptio, where the placenta separates before birth; placenta previa, where the placenta presents first; breech or other malpresentation, though some breech presentations can be corrected manually; or simply a baby which is too large to deliver through the pelvis. Distress to either the baby or the mother can also be cause for an emergency Cesarean.

If a Cesarean is indicated, your doctor will usually give you a regional anesthetic, either epidural or spinal, or if you have already received an epidural your dosage may simply be increased. None of these medications require you being rendered unconscious so you should still be able to be awake and aware at the time of birth. You will usually also be allowed to have one person in the operating room with you, or even two if you are using a doula.

Your partner doesn’t need to be nervous about being present. The mother is usually shielded with a curtain during the procedure and your partner can simply remain behind the curtain with you and offer encouragement without having to watch the procedure itself. Often, if a partner is present, the doctor will allow them to participate by cutting the cord and carrying the baby to the nursery.

As with any major surgery, a Cesarean will require a significant recovery period. You will probably experience a range of symptoms afterward including gas pains, incision pain, uterine contractions as your uterus returns to its natural shape, and of course fatigue. Your staples or stitches are usually removed about 4-7 days after the birth and the total recovery period can be as long as six weeks. You will probably feel very tired and should be careful not to overdue during this time, refraining from excess exercise and not lifting anything heavier than your baby.

You should still be able to breast feed afterward and having a Cesarean once does not necessarily mean you are obligated to have one again. Recent studies have shown an over 80% success rate in vaginal births after Cesarean. So if you find yourself dealing with a Cesarean, don’t panic – as long as you’ve discussed it with your doctor and educated yourself, your experience can be as easy as ABC.