Cesarean section: Everything you need to know

The cesarean section It is one of the great fearsof pregnancy. Fear that is accentuated especially during the third trimester, when the moment of delivery feels closer and closer. This moment not only harbors excitement and infinite affection but is also accompanied by uncertainty and questions related to the procedure. Faced with this magical moment, there are those who, on the one hand, think:“I want to give birth in the most natural way possible. I know there will be pain but I would love to savor every moment and share it with my partner”. However, other women are of the opposite opinion and say:“Why feel pain if we have means that can prevent it, such as an epidural, and even when the time comes, if the situation becomes complicated, there is Caesarean section?” In this article we talk about the latter, the different types and their subsequent recovery.

What is cesarean section?

TheCaesarean sectionis asurgical procedure in which incisions are made in the mother’s uterus and abdominal wall to remove the baby. Although it is a safe practice for both of us, we cannot forget that it is a major surgery and as such carries risks typical of an intervention.

Its total duration is 1-2 hours and despite what is often thought…does not save the suffering but rather “postpones it.” That is, during the operation you do not feel anything due to the anesthesia (spinal, epidural or general), however after it they usually weakness and discomfort appear. Here you can read more about the pain in childbirth.

Are cesarean sections recommended?

Despite the recommendations of the World Health Organization(WHO), obstetric doctors have observed a considerable increase in cesarean sections without justifiable reasons .It is advisable to limit this operation to 10-15% of total births. The rate of cesarean sections in Spain (performed in a higher percentage in private centers than in public hospitals) is high, considering that around 5% of cesarean sections performed could be avoided. The percentage of cesarean sections is lower in less developed countries such as those in sub-Saharan Africa.

Types of cesarean sections

The birthby cesarean section It is done when delivering the baby through the vagina becomes difficult or unsafe. Or what is the same, when complications are observed for the mother and/or the baby. Among the types of cesarean sections we find the scheduled cesarean section and the emergency cesarean section.

scheduled cesarean section

On certain occasions during pregnancy it is decided that delivery will occur by cesarean section, that is, it is scheduled for a specific time. For what reason? – you will think. Simple,A scheduled cesarean section occurs when there are a series of circumstances that increase the risk of delivery if it is performed vaginally.. That is to say, Its practice is recommended for exclusively medical reasons . These reasons are:

• Having previously performed a cesarean section.
• Multiple pregnancy.
• Bad position of the baby (transverse position, breech position,…).
• Prematurity and/or anomalies in the baby’s development. Read more about what is a premature baby.
• Pathologies and conditions of the mare (narrow birth canal,gestational diabetes, heart disease, infections…).
• Alterations in the uterus that complicate vaginal delivery such as a uterine fibroid or placenta previa.

Of course, it is important to emphasize thatThese conditions are not an exclusive reason for vaginal deliverysince the cesarean section depends significantly on the evolution of the pregnancy among other factors to take into account. For example, although this modality was always recommended after a first cesarean section, this is not currently the case since it depends on the reason for which the first cesarean section was performed. From there the vital importance of independently evaluate each case weighing risks and benefits.

emergency cesarean section

On many occasions there are women who present in their birth planyour desire for it to develop naturally. However, it does not always depend on these desires and we mustadapt to needsof the moment. Hence, you have to go with an “open mind” to avoid possible frustrations since in certain births an emergency cesarean section must be performed. This type of cesarean section performed once labor has begun. Here you can read more about labor dilation.

Among the reasons that cause this type of emergency or recourse cesarean section we find the following:

• Signs are found that the baby is suffering.
• Problems are observed with the umbilical cord.
• Dystocia occurs. Labor occurs very slowly, even stopping.
• Large vaginal bleeding is evident.
• The child is too big and/or the mother’s pelvis is too small.
• A placental abruption occurs or the placenta is previa, which would make it difficult to deliver the child.

What is recovery from a cesarean section like?

The recovery period from cesarean delivery is longer than natural childbirth. This is why the hospital stay is also usually longer.  Here you can read more about water birth. Hours after the cesarean section, the woman can report itching, discomfort in the abdomen and in the wound, sensation of swelling, pain and aerophagia. It is best to try to move as soon as possible and walk to relieve the pain of the scar.. As to breastfeeding, cesarean section is not a problem. Days later, the swelling may remain while fatigue, pain, and relaxation of the abdominal tissues may be observed.

Cesarean section care when returning home

Time and help after birth. Record these two words as they will be what you will need most for recovery after the cesarean section. Some recommendations that we give you from SingularMom for cesarean section care when you return home are the following:

• keep the calm down and don’t overexert yourself. Forget about carrying weight, about driving, avoid squatting and try to keep everything within your reach.
• Use awad of bills to help you compress the abdomen and thus prevent the scar from opening. For involuntary acts such as sneezing, coughing or even laughing, protect your abdomen by holding your belly.
• Take care of your nutrition in pregnancy and also during the postpartum. Drink a lot water and carries ahealthy diet.
• walk frequently to relieve pain, prevent clots and activate bowel movements.
• Usecomfortable clothesand loose clothing.
• Pay attention to your mood and your emotional health. To take care of the baby you must first take care of yourself.
• Give importance to your sexual health especially during the first 6 weeks after giving birth.
• askaid and rest as long as possible. 
• keep a daily hygieneof the scar and check it. Consult if there is any sign of infection (fever, bleeding, change in color, a lot of pain,…).

Recovering from a cesarean section is a long-distance race . In addition to the care you can do yourself, it is very useful to have the help of a physiotherapist specialized in pelvic floor and female health, as is the case with Maria. Someone who, in addition to treating the scar and the adverse effects derived from the cesarean section, will advise you on the most recommended exercises and physical activity to strengthen the abdominal muscles.