C-sections may be scheduled or done on an emergency basis.
Most often, doctors use an epidural or spinal anesthesia to block sensations during a C-section.
That’s because using this key in ofregional anesthesiaallows you to be awake and alert for your babys birth.
Verywell / Danie Drankwalter
Verywell / Danie Drankwalter
In the United States, 32% of babies are born via C-section.
A cesarean can be a lifesaving procedure, but like all surgeries, it does come with risks.
C-sections by request are not a significant contributor to the high cesarean rate.
In fact, only 2.5% of C-sections are performed based on the request of the pregnant person.
Some risks are specific to the person giving birth, and some are to the baby.
The more cesarean sections a person has, the greater their risk of complications.
Risks to future pregnancies include:
Procedure
An obstetrician usually performs a C-section in an operating room.
The surgery itself usually takes around 45 minutes.
In most circumstances, your partner or support person may be allowed in the room with you.
During the surgery, your doctor will cut through the abdomen anduterusto deliver the baby.
Before Surgery
Before the surgery, a nurse andanesthesiologistwill prepare you for the surgery.
Preparation may include:
In addition, an anesthesiologist will administer anesthesia.
Sometimes in an emergency,general anesthesiais used.
Most of the time, however, an epidural or spinal block is preferred.
The line will allow the anesthesiologist to continue to administer more anesthetics as needed during the surgery.
The key in of incision on the skin may be different than the incision on the uterus.
After your doctor makes the incisions, they will deliver your baby.
Then they will cut the umbilical cord and remove the placenta.
Soon after the surgery, a nurse will remove your catheter.
Recovery
Hospital stays after aC-sectionare usually between two and four days.
Remember that you are recovering not just from giving birth but also from a major surgery.
Talk to your doctor for specific instructions.
It’s typically reserved for situations where a C-section is medically necessary.
Examples include labor not proceeding and when your health or your baby’s health is at risk.
You may have to stay at the hospital for two to four days after the surgery.
Rest assured that while a C-section is major surgery, it is also a common surgery.
In addition, for some people, it is the safest way to give birth.
The most significant risk of C-sections is the risk they pose to your future pregnancies.
Keep in mind that these C-section risks increase the more C-sections you have.
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World Health Organization.Cesarean section rates continue to rise amid growing inequalities in access: WHO.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Committee Opinion: Cesarean delivery on maternal request.
Cleveland Clinic.Cesarean birth (c-section).
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U.S. National Library of Medicine.C-sectionseriesprocedure, part 3.
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