Cesarean birth  is when a baby is delivered through an incision made through the abdominal wall and uterus rather than through the vagina. There has been a gradual increase in cesarean births  over the past 30 years according to the Center for Disease and Control Prevention CDC.
 

 

What can i expect through a cesarean procedure ?

 
A cesarean takes an average of about 45 minutes to an hour. The baby is usually delivered within the first 5 to 15 minutes. The remaining time  is for closing the incision.

Before the cesarean procedure, you will receive a spinal  or epidural anesthesia to numb the area from your abdomen to below the waist. The legs can also be numb.

You will also probably receive a catheter to collect urine while your lower body is numb.

During surgery

 
The doctor makes an incision in the abdominal wall. During an emergency cesarean this incision will be a vertical incision from the navel to the pubic area. This makes it easy for the health care provider to take the baby out faster.

The most common incision made is the horizontal incision just above the pubic bone. This is most often called the bikini cut. The stomach muscles are not cut through. They are pulled apart so that the doctor can gain access to the uterus.

A vertical or horizontal incision is then made in the uterus. There is no need to make the same type of incision in the abdomen and uterus. The vertical incision is usually reserved for complicated situations such as placenta  previa .

The doctor will then suction out the amniotic fluid and deliver the baby. The baby will be delivered head first. This is done so that the mouth and nose can be cleaned out to allow for the baby to breathe. Once the whole body  is delivered,  the doctor will show you the baby.

After the surgery

 
You may experience nausea and trembling after the procedure. This may be due to anesthesia, the effects of the contracting uterus or from adrenaline let down. These symptoms pass easily  and may be followed by drowsiness.

If everything is normal, the baby can rest on your chest, you can start breastfeeding and then bond with the baby.  You and your baby will be monitored closely for any complications.

You will be advised to follow proper  post surgery care for the incision or yourself.
 
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