Understanding Cesarean Delivery (C-Section): Causes, Symptoms, and Management

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Cesarean Delivery (C-Section)

by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023

General

Cesarean delivery, Cesarean section or C- section, are all different names for the same procedure. C- section is a surgery performed in order to deliver your baby and it includes making incisions in your belly and uterus and getting your baby out. About a third of all births in the United States are performed by caesarean section. A C-section can be scheduled in advance or performed urgently due to unsuccessful attempt at vaginal birth. Common reasons for a planned C-section include: - If you had a previous C-section - If your baby is not in the right position- his head isn’t first - If your baby is very large- too large to pass through the vaginal canal After a C-section your might feel belly cramps, light vaginal bleeding and pain over the incision site. It is important to rest properly, drink plenty of water and take pain medication as needed. There are some risks in a C-section, including injuries to your bladder, massive bleeding, infections and a longer healing time after delivery. If you experience heavy vaginal bleeding or if you develop signs of infection such as fever or redness over your scar- contact your doctor.

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Diagnosis

Absolute indications for c- section include fetal distress, malpresentation, early preterm, repeat cesarean section, severe pre-eclampsia, placenta previa, placentral abruption, cord prolapse. Relative indications include multiple gestation, fetal growth restriction, cephalopelvic disproportion, lack of progression in labor, prior cesarean, short intergenesic period after cesarean, pregnancy-related hypertensive disorder.

Treatment

The surgery is done either under general anesthesia or with a spinal block, and it takes usually up to an hour. Before surgery, a urinary catheter is placed to drain the bladder. Then, the skin is being cleaned and most commonly, an incision is made in the lower uterine segment above the attachment of the urinary bladder to the uterus (Low transverse section). Then, a second incision is done over the uterus, and the baby is delivered followed by the placenta. These incisions are being stitched and the woman is sent to recovery. After surgery, a few days of hospitalization are usually required.

Note

☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

National Institutes of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ MedlinePluse ∙ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

☝ All information has been reviewed by certified physicians from Alike

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