Caesarean section
A Caesarean birth is another birthing option that I will explain when we see each other in the months and weeks leading up to your delivery. A c-section is a delivery where a baby is born through a cut in the mother’s belly. This requires an anaesthetic which could either be a spinal anaesthetic (given through a needle in the back to numb the belly and legs, “awake anaesthetic” where you remain awake and your support person can be present with you in the operating theatre for the birth of your baby.
When is a caesarean birth required?
Caesarean birth could be planned or elective which means it is known during your pregnancy that you will need birth via caesarean section, and this is usually performed after 39 weeks. This may be because you have had a previous caesarean birth, your baby is not lying head down, the placenta is lying low inside the uterus, twin pregnancy (if first twin is not coming headfirst). Apart from these, there are many other reasons why you may need a planned caesarean delivery.
Emergency Caesarean section is done during labour, either because the progress of labour is inadequate, or the labour has obstructed, or the baby is getting distressed and not coping with the stress of labour.
What are the complications of a caesarean section?
Caesarean birth could be planned or elective which means it is known during your pregnancy that you will need birth via caesarean section, and this is usually performed after 39 weeks. This may be because you have had a previous caesarean birth, your baby is not lying head down, the placenta is lying low inside the uterus, twin pregnancy (if first twin is not coming headfirst). Apart from these, there are many other reasons why you may need a planned caesarean delivery.
Emergency Caesarean section is done during labour, either because the progress of labour is inadequate, or the labour has obstructed, or the baby is getting distressed and not coping with the stress of labour.
What are the complications of a caesarean section?
Caesarean Section is generally a safe and a commonly performed operation. However, there are certain uncommon complications that could occur during or after a caesarean section. These include:
Bleeding
Infection
Damage to organs like the bowel/bladder that like close to the uterus
Blood clots
Reaction to anaesthetic
Risks in future pregnancies (repeat caesarean section, morbidly adherent placenta)
What should I expect after a caesarean section?