Overview Cesarean delivery C-section is a surgical procedure used to deliver a baby through incisions in the abdomen and uterus. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic.
Abdominal incisions used during C-sections Open pop-up dialog box Close. Abdominal incisions used during C-sections A C-section includes an abdominal incision and a uterine incision. Uterine incisions used during C-sections Open pop-up dialog box Close.
Uterine incisions used during C-sections A C-section includes an abdominal incision and a uterine incision. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Berghella V. Cesarean delivery: Preoperative planning and patient preparation. Accessed May 17, Nixon N, et al. Anesthesia for cesarean delivery. Berghella V. Cesarean delivery: Surgical technique. Cesarean delivery: Postoperative issues. Frequently asked questions. Labor, delivery, and postpartum care FAQ Postpartum depression.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Accessed May 18, Committee Opinion No. Cesarean delivery on maternal request. Obstetrics and Gynecology. Reaffirmed Cesarean birth C-section. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Gabbe SG, et al. Cesarean delivery.
In: Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. Philadelphia, Pa. A C-section can also put a woman at increased risk of possible problems with the placenta in future pregnancies.
In the case of emergency C-sections, the benefits usually far outweigh the risks. A C-section could be lifesaving. As with any surgery, there's usually some degree of pain and discomfort after a C-section. The recovery period is also a little longer than for vaginal births. Women who've had C-sections usually stay in the hospital for about 3 or 4 days.
Right after, you may feel itchy, sick to your stomach, and sore — these are all normal reactions to the anesthesia and surgery. If you needed general anesthesia for an emergency C-section, you may feel groggy, confused, chilly, scared, alarmed, or even sad. Your health care provider can give you medicines to ease any discomfort or pain. It can help if you support your abdomen near the incision when you sneeze, cough, or laugh.
These sudden movements can be painful. You'll need to avoid driving or lifting anything heavy so that you don't put any unnecessary pressure on your incision.
Check with your health care provider about when you can get back to your normal activities typically after about 6 to 8 weeks, when the uterus has healed. As with a vaginal delivery, you shouldn't have sex until your doctor has given you the go-ahead, usually about 6 weeks after delivery.
Frequent and early walking may help ease some post-cesarean pains and discomfort. It also can help prevent blood clots and keep your bowels moving. But don't push yourself — take it easy and have someone help you get around, especially up and down stairs. Let friends, family, and neighbors lend a helping hand with meals and housework for a while, especially if you have other children.
Although breastfeeding might be a little painful at first, lying on your side to nurse or using the clutch or football hold can take the pressure off your abdomen. Drink plenty of water to help with your milk supply and to help avoid constipation.
C-sections scars fade over time. They'll get smaller and become a natural skin color in the weeks and months after delivery. And because incisions are often made in the "bikini" area, many C-section scars aren't even noticeable.
Emotionally, you may feel a little disappointed if you'd been hoping for a vaginal birth or had gone through labor that ended in a C-section. Remember that having a C-section does not make the birth of your baby any less special or your efforts any less amazing.
After all, you went through major surgery to deliver your baby! Caesarean section. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. Reasons for a planned caesarean section Reasons for an unplanned caesarean section Things to consider before having a caesarean section Anaesthetic for a caesarean section Types of caesarean sections Preparing for a caesarean section During a caesarean section After a caesarean section Special care for your baby after a caesarean section Risks and complications of a caesarean section First six weeks after a caesarean section Long-term health outlook after a caesarean section Vaginal birth after caesarean section Where to get help.
Reasons for a planned caesarean section There are several reasons why you and your obstetrician may decide on a planned elective caesarean birth. These include: You have previously had a caesarean section. Your cervix opening to the womb is blocked by the placenta this is known as placenta previa. Your baby is lying sideways transverse and is not able to be turned by the doctor. You have a twin pregnancy, with your first baby positioned bottom or feet first.
You are having three or more babies. Your labour does not progress — your contractions are not strong enough and your cervix opens too slowly or not at all. Your baby shows signs of distress or their health is being compromised. The umbilical cord, which provides important nutrients and oxygenated blood to your baby, has fallen down prolapsed through the cervix and into the vagina after your waters have broken.
A health problem, such as high blood pressure, is making labour riskier for you and your baby. Anaesthetic for a caesarean section There are three types of anaesthetic you may be given so that you do not feel any pain during your operation: They include: spinal anaesthetic — the most common anaesthetic for a planned caesarean.
A needle will be inserted between the bones in your spine and local anaesthetic will be injected though the needle. This will block the pain from your chest downwards.
You will be awake and able to breathe normally. As your baby is being born, you may feel tugging and pulling sensations, but no pain epidural anaesthetic — often used to lessen the pain of labour.
If you have already been given an epidural during labour, and it is working well, the epidural can be topped up for an emergency caesarean. The epidural is a plastic tube that will be inserted into a space around the lining of your spine. Local anaesthetic will be injected through the tube, which will block any pain sensation from your waist down. As your baby is being born, you may feel tugging and pulling sensations, but no pain a general anaesthetic may also be given if your baby needs to be born very quickly.
You will breathe oxygen through a mask and you will be given medicine through a drip, which will make you drowsy and put you to sleep. Types of caesarean sections Caesarean sections differ in terms of where the cuts incisions are made to the uterus. The two types of cuts that can be used when you have a caesarean section are: a lower segment incision — will be used wherever possible. These cuts heal better, are less visible and are less likely to cause problems in future pregnancies.
The cut on the abdomen may be horizontal or vertical. This type of incision is usually only used for extreme emergencies or in specific situations, such as if the placenta is lying very low, if your baby is lying sideways or if your baby is very small. It can increase the chance of having problems in later pregnancies and births. Preparing for a caesarean section To prepare for your caesarean section: You will need to fast.
That means no food or drink, including water, for six hours before a planned caesarean. If you are having an emergency caesarean, the doctor will ask you when you last had any food or drink so they know how to proceed with your operation. You will have blood tests taken. You may have a support person with you, unless there are serious complications or you need a general anaesthetic. It is generally possible for someone to take photos of your baby being born, so ask your support person to bring a camera if they have one.
If you have any special preferences, talk to your doctor or midwife beforehand, so they can try to support your choices. If the doctor believes you are at increased risk of blood clots, you may be measured for compression stockings to wear during the operation.
The theatre team will clean your abdomen with antiseptic and cover it with sterile cloths to reduce the risk of infection. In many hospitals, the hair around the area to be cut is shaved so that it is easier to clean. You will have a catheter plastic tube inserted into your bladder so that it remains empty during the operation. During a caesarean section The actual operation usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes. It will involve: The doctor will make a cut in your abdomen and your uterus both about 10 cm long.
Your baby will be lifted out through the cut. Your baby will be carefully checked. You will be able to hold your baby soon afterwards. Skin-to-skin contact can strengthen your early bond with your baby and make breastfeeding easier. If you cannot hold your baby in the operating theatre, your support person will most likely be able to hold your baby instead.
The umbilical cord will be cut and your placenta removed. An injection will usually be given to make your uterus contract and to minimise bleeding. Antibiotics will be given to reduce the risk of infection.
The layers of muscle, fat and skin will be stitched back together and a dressing will be applied over the wound. After a caesarean section A number of things will occur after you have a caesarean section, including: You will be cared for in the recovery room until you are ready to go to the ward.
If you have had a general anaesthetic, you will most likely wake up in the recovery room. You should be able to see your baby once you are awake. You will be encouraged to breastfeed.
The earlier you start to breastfeed, the easier it is likely to be for both you and your baby. Having a caesarean section can make breastfeeding harder to start, so ask for all the support you need.
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