Cesarean Section (C-Section)

More and more babies are being born by Cesarean Section (C-Section) today than in any other decade. C-sections are often related to unproductive labor and baby size. A woman's pelvic width may also come into play when choosing between a vaginal delivery and a C-section. There are even some cases where women choose C-section deliveries to plan out the date of birth, though these are not typically supported by the medical community.

A C-Section is not much different than other surgery types. The one major difference is anesthesia. Women have the choice between an epidural and spinal during C-Section delivery. The idea is to block pain completely, while allowing the woman to be a part of the birthing process. Typically, spinal anesthesia provides deeper pain relief and takes less time to fully block pain. Spinals can be given in the operating room just before the doctor starts C-section delivery. Spinals are also commonly used for emergency C-sections.

If there are complications during the C-section delivery, general anesthesia may be used to put mom “under” if only for a short while. The use of general anesthesia increases the risks associated with C-section delivery and recovery.

After a C-section is complete, doctors will remove the uterus from the abdominal area and place it outside of the body for cleaning. The afterbirth will be removed and the uterus sewn closed. Next, the doctor will work his way back out of the body cleaning and suturing openings in the abdominal muscles and eventually the stomach. Staples, stitches and glue are commonly used for the final closing.

It can take six weeks or more for a woman to recover from a C-section. Pain medications are given in most cases to control pain while caring for baby. The woman will also have a longer hospital stay after a C-section to ensure she is safely recovery from major surgery. Once home, she will need to keep lifting, twisting and bending to a minimum. Walking, however, is permitted and encouraged. Just a few hours of having a C-section, moms are allowed to walk around as pain permits.

Having one C-section does not mean every birth will end with a Cesarean birth. VBAC, or vaginal birth after cesarean, is a choice a woman will need to discuss with her doctor the next time she is ready to give birth.