Cesarean Section
Learn about cesarian birth
Caesarean section is a surgical intervention during childbirth. Rather than a natural birth, a cesarean section involves delivering the newborn through an incision in the mother's stomach. It is also known as a C-section. Often a mother is given a local anesthetic, as this allows her to stay awake during the procedure so she can see her new baby right away.
A caesarean birth does not happen with every pregnancy, but there are certain conditions under which the procedure is necessary to save the life of the mother or child. In other cases, the mother may organize to have a caesarean section prior to labor.
When Is a Caesarean Section Performed?
Sometimes a cesarean section may be pre-arranged if the baby is in a breech position, if the mother has a health condition that might be distressed by labor, or if the mother has an infection that could be passed to the child. Sometimes, the mother risks damage to her uterus if she gives birth naturally; this often happens if she's had other children via C-section before.
An emergency C-section is usually performed if there is a problem during labor. For example, if the child appears to be in distress, if there is a problem with the uterus or placenta, or if labor stops or slows for some reason, surgeons will intervene. An epidural is the most common kind of anesthetic given; the doctor then cuts the stomach, usually in a "bikini cut" form, and the doctor stitches the incision shut after the birth is completed.
No matter what the reason the C-section is performed, the mother will usually have to stay in hospital for three to five days. However, it can be up to a month before she fully recovers.
Vaginal Birth After Caesarean Sections
After a caesarean, it is still possible to have another child by vaginal delivery; this is known as VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean). Most women in good physical health should have no trouble recovering after a caesarean section. In fact, a VBAC is usually considered the best method of preventing further scarring. Naturally, there is a small risk that the uterus may open during labor. If this happens, an emergency C-section may have to be performed.