A C-section cut is about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long, typically a horizontal "bikini cut" just below the hairline, though sometimes a vertical cut is needed. The surgeon cuts through layers of skin, fat, muscle, and the uterine wall to deliver the baby, then stitches each layer back together, creating a scar that heals over weeks.
In most cases, the physician makes a horizontal incision of about 4 to 6 inches in the abdomen, at or near the pubic hairline, then makes an incision in the uterine wall and delivers the baby through that opening.
However, as a major surgery, cesarean delivery carries risks, including infection, bleeding, and longer recovery times compared to vaginal births.
A c-section is major surgery and may lead to more complications than a vaginal birth, including: Infection in the incision (cut), uterus, or nearby areas, like your belly and bladder. Heavy blood loss that might require a transfusion. Injury to organs near the uterus, such as the bladder and intestines.
During a C-section, a doctor makes an incision through seven different layers of tissue.
The 5-5-5 rule is a guideline for what kind of help a postpartum mom needs: five days in bed, five days round the bed — meaning minimal walking around — the next five days around the home. This practice will help you prioritize rest and recovery while gradually increasing activity.
When compared to C-Section, normal labor is more painful during delivery. However, it is only for a short time. When the delivery is finished, there will be no pain. Normal labor also helps the new mother get started with breastfeeding sooner and better.
How long does a C-section surgery take? The typical C-section takes about 45 minutes from start to finish. After your provider delivers your baby, they'll stitch your uterus and close the incision in your abdomen. Different types of emergencies can arise during a delivery.
Regardless of the type of skin incision, the uterine incision is made horizontally and low down on the uterus unless the position of your baby or the placenta demands a vertical cut instead. The amniotic sac will be opened and the amniotic fluid will pour out.
Returning to Physical Activities After a C-Section
It's important to get out of bed and walk around within 24 hours after surgery. This can help ease gas pains, help you have a bowel movement, and prevent blood clots.
Protect your ab muscles: For the first 12 weeks after a C-section, avoid activities that make you breathe hard or strain your muscles. Avoid sit-ups, crunches, push-ups, planks or movements that put pressure on your core muscles. Take care of your incision: Your doctor will tell you how long to keep your wound covered.
The medical name for the procedure is cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) or CRS/HIPEC.
You won't feel any pain during the C-section, although you may feel sensations like pulling and pressure. Most women are awake and simply numbed from the waist down using regional anesthesia (an epidural and/or a spinal block) during a C-section. That way, they are awake to see and hear their baby being born.
Does the doctor use the same scar for a second C-section? If you're having a second C-section, normally your surgeon will attempt to cut through the same scar. This might not be possible if there's lots of scar tissue in the area, or if the scar tissue is too thick to cut through.
Once you've scheduled your C-section, day-before preparation includes:
"Water breaking" refers to the amniotic fluid breaking free from the sac that holds your baby. It's most likely to occur between weeks 39 and 40 of your pregnancy, but can happen before or after. If you're unsure if your water has broken, try putting in a pantyliner and sitting down for 30 minutes.
Two common methods used to deliver the placenta at caesarean section are cord traction and manual removal.
Nausea and vomiting are commonly experienced during and immediately after caesarean section with regional anaesthesia. This is distressing for women. Vomiting during surgery can also challenge the operating surgeon and put the mother at risk of fluids from the stomach going into her windpipe.
The hour after delivery, referred to as the Golden Hour, gives you the first glimpse of your baby as you welcome them to the world. During this time, non-urgent activities are delayed while you experience skin-to-skin contact with your newborn.
One Support Person in the Operating Room
This person is typically your partner, a family member, or a close friend whom you've chosen to support you. This is primarily to ensure the safety of both you and your baby.
C Section Recovery Must Haves Kit - Peri Bottle,Disposable Mesh Underwears,Witch Hazel Pad Liners,Silicone Scar Patches, Abdominal Belly Binder,Socks,C-Section Recovery Essentials Kit.
Some of the main risks to you of having a caesarean include: infection of the wound (common) – causing redness, swelling, increasing pain and discharge from the wound. infection of the womb lining (common) – symptoms include a fever, tummy pain, abnormal vaginal discharge and heavy vaginal bleeding.
While childbirth is famously painful, conditions like Cluster Headaches, severe Kidney Stones, Endometriosis, Trigeminal Neuralgia, and even intense dental procedures like root canals are often described by sufferers as worse, with cluster headaches frequently topping pain scales due to their intensity and lack of breaks, unlike labor. Pain perception is subjective, but these conditions involve excruciating, sharp, or prolonged agony that some individuals rate higher than childbirth.
For some people, a c-section is safer than vaginal birth. If you have medical conditions that affect your pregnancy, you may need a c-section to protect the health of your baby. A c-section can be planned (scheduled) together with your health care team based on your health needs and the needs of your baby.