All about Cesarean Section (C-Section)
A Cesarean section procedure is used to deliver a baby through an opening made in the mother’s abdomen and the womb. C-section is a major surgical procedure that is either done as a last-minute alternative or planned earlier based on an existing condition or the request of the pregnant woman.
When is a cesarean section done?
A cesarean section delivery can happen under either of these two conditions:
Planned C-Sections
Planned c-sections are usually done after 39 weeks allowing the pregnancy to reach full term unless there is a medical reason to deliver sooner. Some of the conditions under which planned c-sections are done include:
- Placenta previa(low-lying placenta)
- Multiples pregnancy
- The baby is in a difficult position for labor
- Women unwilling to cope with the pain of vaginal delivery
Emergency C-Sections
Unplanned c-section delivery is often called emergency cesarean sections. While the word emergency makes it sound rushed and last minute, it is a medical term. It also does not mean the mother or the baby is always in danger. There are a number of reasons why it is done:
- Multiple pregnancies: Twins can be delivered vaginally; however, more than that will need a cesarean section delivery
- Transverse lie: This is a condition where the baby is in a sideways position in the uterus before the delivery.
- Breech presentation: In this condition, the baby tries to come out feet or bottom first.
- Cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD): When the baby’s head is too large to pass through the mother’s pelvic safely, a c-section to deliver the baby.
- Previous cesarean birth: A previous cesarean birth would mean it is difficult to give birth again vaginally for many women because of the risks of uterine rupture.
- Failure of labor to progress: when the baby stops moving in the birth canal or if the dilation of the cervix stops.
- Cord compression/prolapsed: Sometimes, the umbilical cord comes out of the cervix first, of the cord, is looped around the baby’s body or neck.
- Fetal distress: The baby might develop an irregular heart rate, or it can no longer tolerate the labor.
What is the procedure of a C-section?
During the c-section, the woman will normally be under regional anesthesia, such as a spinal or epidural block. A vertical or a horizontal cut (incision) is made through the skin, followed by a 3-4 inch incision in the wall of the uterus. The baby is then removed through the incision, followed by the umbilical cord and the placenta. The whole procedure would take about 45 minutes, and the uterus is stitched up.
What are the complications involved?
Like the risk in all surgeries, c-sections complications can include:
- Loss of blood
- Infection
- A cut in the uterine wall might make it weaker.
- Placental abnormalities in subsequent pregnancies.
- Fetal injury
- Reaction to medications or to the anesthesia that is used Injury to the bowel or bladder
- Blood clots in the legs, pelvic organs, or lungs
Conclusion
The cesarean section is a procedure for the delivery of a baby when it is not possible to safely deliver vaginally. C-sections are a major surgical procedure that is either planned in advance or chosen in an emergency situation.
References:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/7246-cesarean-birth-c-section
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/c-section/about/pac-20393655
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