A cesarean section, or c-section, is a surgical procedure in which the delivery of a baby is performed through an incision in the mother's uterus and abdomen. This procedure can be either scheduled in advance, or performed as an emergency procedure due to complications during vaginal childbirth.

Recommended for If the patient already underwent previous c-sections with a vertical uterine incision, or more c-sections If the patient had other invasive uterine surgeries If the patient is carrying twins or more multiples If the baby is expected to be very big (macrosomia) If the baby is in a breech position (bottom first) or sideways position If the patient suffers from placenta previa (when the placenta covers the cervix) If the patient is HIV-positive

Time requirements Number of days in hospital 2 - 4 days Number of trips abroad needed 1. Time off work 4 weeks. Some cesarean sections are scheduled, whereas others are performed if complications occur during natural birth. 

This procedure is commonly done using an epidural or spinal block, rather than general anesthetic. This means that the patient is conscious but should not feel pain. The epidural involves the insertion of a thin catheter in the epidural space, which is just outside the membrane that covers the spinal cord and fluid.

This method guarantees a continued relief during the labour without losing the sensibility in the lower body. In the spinal block procedure, the patient will feel a bit number and the injection is done directly into the spinal fluid. The spinal block is administered in a single injection, and the effects last several hours. The obstetrician will guide the mother through the different options.,

Once the anesthesia has taken effect, the surgeon will make an horizontal incision above the pubic bone, in order to reach the uterus. After reaching the uterus, the doctor will horizontally cut the uterus (low-transverse uterine incision). After this, the baby can be extracted and the surgeon can deliver the placenta, and then close the uterus and abdomen with sutures.

Anesthesia The patient will receive a regional anesthetic, commonly an epidural or spinal block. Procedure duration The incision and baby extraction take around 10 minutes, in emergency situations, only 1-2 minutes. The delivery of the placenta and suturing take up to 45 minutes. In a C-section, the surgeon makes an incision in the uterus to remove the baby.,

Post procedure care

As c-section is a major abdominal surgery, and usually the hospital stay is at least 4 days. When the mother is discharged, she will be advised to rest and keep the wound clean. It is recommended to walk a bit and drink a lot of fluids to help to prevent constipation. Similar to other methods of childbirth, the mother may still experience postpartum issues like: raging hormones, postpartum fatigue and bleeding, uterus pain, and breast engorgement.

Support from family and friends is important after the procedure, as the patient has to balance recovery and looking after the new baby. Possible discomfort After the anesthesia wears off the patient will start to feel the pain from the incisions. The specialist will be able to prescribe painkillers to avoid unnecessary discomfort. Vaginal discharge and gas pain are also very common after a c-section, but this should improve after a few days.,