HEALTH TIME
CAESAREAN SECTION IN CHILD BIRTH
In recent years caesarean section has become more and more common in
childbirth. Caesarean section, also known as c-section or Caesar, is
a surgical procedure made to deliver a child. The surgical procedure
is mainly done in regional anesthesia, which provides the mother to be
awake during the procedure. Usually the surgeon makes a horizontal incision
in the lower abdominal region and finally an incision through the uterus
to deliver the baby/babies.
In the United States of America the rate of child deliveries done by
c-section has reached 30% compared to about 20% in the United Kingdom.
In most developed countries the rate is increasing. WHO is recommending
that the percentage of c-sections ought to be about 15 % of all child
deliveries.
The main reasons for performing c-sections are related to problems during
labor; prolonged delivery, breech position of the baby, large baby, multiple
babies etc. or maternal concerns such as: pre-eclampsia, small maternal
pelvis etc. However, the procedure is also performed when there isn’t
really a medical reason for it. For c-section patients hospital stays
are prolonged compared to vaginal delivery. Complications for the mother
might involve wound infection, intra abdominal adhesions which for instance
can lead to bowel obstruction. Having had a c-section might increase
the risk of having to have a new c-section in later pregnancies. However
studies show that planned c-sections are safer than c-sections done as
an emergency procedure.
In general I would recommend all mothers to opt for vaginal delivery
if possible; this to avoid a surgical procedure and therefore possible
complications. I believe many pregnant women are scared of vaginal deliveries
and what damage such a delivery might cause with regards to pain, future
sex life and so forth. Talking to your doctor and retrieving information
will hopefully make your labor experience a good one.
Please contact
me if you have further questions on this topic.
Dr.Marianne
drmarianne@mamizeit.com
Frequent questions about C-section:
(from childbirth.org)
Why would I want to avoid a cesarean?
Cesarean section increase many of the risks to mothers and babies. When
this risk is weighed against other circumstances, it can be the better
choice, however, sometimes it is a choice of convenience, or a matter of
lack of information.
As her partner, how can I help her during a cesarean?
Most hospitals will allow you to go into the operating room with your partner,
or if you feel unable to, she may be accompanied by one other person (some
hospitals will allow two if one is the doula). Contrary to popular belief,
most people do not faint in the operating room. The mother will provided
a drape to block her view of the surgery, feel free to stay behind the
curtain with her if you are worried. Just being there for her and telling
her what is going will help her. Sometimes the doctor will allow you to
cut the cord, carrying the baby to the nursery, and take pictures. Make
sure that you ask about these particular things.
What is an emergency Cesarean?
Basically, an emergency cesarean would be one that meant a matter of minutes
was all that remained before the serious threat of loss of life or damage
became imminent. Generally, this would be a placenta abruptio, a prolapsed
cord, etc. General anesthesia is usually used, in combination with a vertical
incision (for the matter of time), and your partner is generally not allowed
to accompany you.
What will my recovery be like?
Everyone's recovery will be different, depending on your age, body type, and
general health. However, some basics of recovery will be to remember that you
have just had major abdominal surgery as well as given birth to a new baby. You
may be plagued with gas pains from being opened, incisional pain, uterine contractions
(your uterus will still need to work to get back to it's original shape). You
may be extremely tired from medications, labor (if you had one), or just in general.
Your staples will usually be removed about 4-7 days postpartum. Try to take everything
easy. Do as little as possible, although walking as soon as possible is very
helpful in your recovery. The rule of thumb is to not lift anything heavier than
your baby. When you get home, take the steps only once a day (if at all). Make
a nest on the couch and nap there during the day. Get as much help as you can
with your cleaning, food preparations, and other children.
You can start doing breathing exercises the first day in the hospital, someone
will show you how. Then each day you can gradually find small exercises to do
to get back into shape. Do not return to your previous exercise routine without
permission of your care provider. Overdoing it will only slow your recovery.
By the end of six weeks, some people say they are feeling pretty good, although
still dealing with some pain and sleeplessness. After this period you can usually
resume most activities (Some doctors will allow you to drive after about 2 weeks,
others request that you wait the entire 6.)
What are some feelings that I may have after the cesarean?
Many people say that they feel a range of emotions. They can be happy that their
baby is there safely, disappointed that they did not achieve their "dream" birth,
mad at the circumstances or some people, disconnected from the baby, or just
relieved to get it over with.
It is important to remember that all new mothers go through emotional changes
as the baby is born. This can be from the hormones, the situation, etc. However,
in mothers who also are recovering from a major surgery, these can be more pronounced.
Recomended books on this subject:
Cesarean Recovery by Chrissie Gallagher-Mundy
The Essential C-Section Guide: Pain Control,
Healing at Home, Getting Your Body Back, and Everything Else You Need
to Know About a Cesarean
Birth
by Maureen Connolly
What If I Have a C-Section? by Rita Rubin
MARIANNE
EFSKIND Occupation: intern in public health and family medicine in Vik. |
 |
mamizeits Dr. Marianne
Do you have a question about health?
Take this oportunity to send us your question and Dr. Marianne
will answer.
drmarianne@mamizeit.com
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