Caesarean Delivery

What Is A Caesarean Delivery ?

A Caesarean section is major abdominal surgery. They may be performed by choice of the mother (elective) or because of medical complications (emergency.) In the last twenty years caesarean deliveries have risen from 9% to 22% in the UK. This is partly due to the fact that some mothers feel that having a caesarean section is a lot quicker, more convenient and a pain free option. Ceasareans are relatively safe but there can be risks. Caesarean deliveries can be two to four times riskier than vaginal births and recovery can take up six weeks. Doctors can disagree on whether a casesarean is necessary. There are many sources of information about Caesarean section and opinions can be wide ranging. Be sure to research the benefits, risks and alternatives thoroughly.

When Would A Caesarean Section Be Recommended ?

There are many reasons:

• if your wellbeing is at risk due to a complicated labour
• if you have a serious medical condition or disability
• if the baby is exceptionally large in relation to your pelvis
• if the baby is too small or weak to survive a natural birth
• if the baby is lacking oxygen
• if you are experiencing vaginal bleeding and a natural birth is not able to happen.
• if the baby cannot exit vaginally due to cord prolapse (the umbilical cord falls forward)
• if the baby cannot exit vaginally due to placenta praevia (the placenta covers the exit to the birth canal and a natural birth is unable to happen
• if you have a history of psycho-sexual problems
• if you have high blood pressure
• if you have a previous history of caesarean sections
• if you are suffering extreme anxiety about the birth
• if you are having multiple births which are in the breech position
• if you have received poor or misleading information

What Happens ?

You are normally given a spinal or epidural anaesthetic to numb the lower half of your body. A drip is put into your arm, a catheter into your bladder and an incision is made about 20cm in length on your bikini line. Once the baby and the afterbirth are delivered the incision is closed either using staples or stitches. An uncomplicated procedure might take between 40 minutes to an hour.

Recovery

Caesaerean sections can result in some medical risks. You may experience some bleeding, wound infection and thrombosis (blood clots) in the legs.

Normally you will be kept in hospital for four or five days. You will be given pain relief if it is needed, and the catheter you had during the operation is kept in for 24 hours. You may find it difficult to stand up straight initially after the operation, It is essential not to lift anything heavy for up to six weeks after the operation.You may find that your car insurance does not cover you, so check before you drive. You will be able to breastfeed as normal