Cesarean Section

A cesarean section (C-section) is a surgical procedure used to deliver a baby through an incision in the abdomen and uterus. It can be classified as either scheduled or emergency, depending on the circumstances.

Types of Cesarean Sections

1. Scheduled Cesarean Section

1. • Performed due to a medical or obstetric indication or maternal request.
   • Typically scheduled from the 39th week of pregnancy.

2. Emergency Cesarean Section

1. • Conducted in response to obstetric complications, such as fetal distress (when the baby is not receiving enough oxygen or nutrients).
   • In some cases, the baby must be delivered immediately.

Indications for Cesarean Section

• Cardiac conditions
• Respiratory conditions
• Pelvic obstruction due to fibroids
• Previous C-section
• Failure of labor to progress
• Maternal request
• Breech presentation (baby positioned feet-first)
• Congenital abnormalities in the baby
• Placenta previa (placenta covering the cervix)
• Umbilical cord prolapse
• Active genital herpes
• Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy – preeclampsia
• Estimated fetal weight over 4.5 kg

Anesthesia in Cesarean Section

Cesarean sections require anesthesia, which may be:
✔ Spinal anesthesia
✔ Epidural anesthesia (most commonly used)
✔ General anesthesia (less common)

Epidural anesthesia allows the mother to be awake and alert while feeling no pain in the lower body. This enables immediate contact with the baby right after birth.

During the Cesarean Procedure

• A sterile drape is placed over the body to maintain a sterile surgical field.
• The medical team will inform the mother about each step of the procedure.
• A small incision (about 10 cm) is made in the lower abdomen and uterus to deliver the baby.
• Some pulling and pressure may be felt, but no pain.
• The baby is delivered, and parents can see and hold the newborn immediately.
• The entire procedure lasts approximately 40–50 minutes.

After the Cesarean Section

• The mother is transferred to therecovery room for about 2 hours, where:
  ✔ Postpartum bleeding is monitored
  ✔ Vital signs (temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, respiration, and oxygen levels) are checked
  ✔ Uterine height is assessed
  ✔ Newborn evaluation takes place
• Skin-to-skin contactis encouraged immediately after birth.
• Breastfeedingcan be initiated during the recovery period.
• The mother is encouraged tomove as soon as possible to aid recovery.

Recovery at Home

• A gradual return to daily activities is advised.
• Certain activities, like exercise, should be avoided until the postpartum check-up (usually at 6 weeks).
• The surgical scar will fade over time, becoming less noticeable within weeks.

Future Pregnancies After a C-Section

• Having one C-section does not necessarily mean future births must also be by C-section.
• Many women can safely attempt a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC).
• Close monitoring during labor is required to ensure a safe VBAC experience.