For a planned C-section, you may have a choice of anesthetic, although you should be aware that a spinal block or epidural are generally considered the safest options for both you and your baby. In an emergency or when bleeding occurs, general anesthesia may be necessary.
This type of anesthesia lets you still be awake and aware of what's going on. Your doctor may offer you general anesthesia, which will put you to sleep, but it's unlikely for most planned C-sections. The doctor will place a screen across your waist, so you won't be able to see the surgery as it happens.
Some hospitals also allow you to bring in music to play during your scheduled c-section. Don't be afraid to ask questions or make requests if there's a part of the procedure you're concerned about.
A single dose of midazolam or fentanyl before caesarean delivery can lower the patient's anxiety and have no adverse neonatal effects. Even listening to music before surgery may be helpful for reducing stress-related physiological reactions.
The Night Before Your C-section
You will not be allowed to eat, drink or smoke after midnight. This includes candy, gum and water. Try to get a good night's sleep. You may brush your teeth in the morning.
How long does an average C-section take? Usually, a cesarean takes about 30-45 minutes.
At first you may be asked to only eat ice chips or take sips of water, at least until your provider is certain you are not likely to have very heavy bleeding. Most likely, you will be able to eat a light diet 8 hours after your C-section.
A C-section requires anesthesia and you may be given general anesthesia, a spinal block, or an epidural block. General anesthesia will put you to sleep, so you will not be awake during the procedure.
Regional anesthesia is generally preferred because it allows the mother to remain awake during the procedure, enjoy support from staff and her partner, experience the birth, and have immediate contact with the baby. It is usually safer than general anesthesia.
The process of waking up from anesthesia is known as emergence. During emergence, the anesthesiologist will slowly reduce the amount of anesthetic drugs in the body. This helps to reduce the intensity of the effects of anesthesia and allows the patient to regain consciousness.
Traditionally during cesarean, the pregnant person's hands are layed out in a T shape and secured to arm rests that extend out from the bed. The idea being to prevent her from reaching down and touching near the surgical site. It is reasonable, however, to request that your hands be left free during surgery.
Cesarean Section
A C-section may be necessary if there are concerns for your safety or the safety of your baby. Your doctor will recommend it if the baby could be larger than 11 pounds (5000 grams) or you have diabetes and the baby's estimated weight is more than 9 pounds 15 ounces (4500 grams).
THE CLEAR DRAPE
In a regular C-section, an opaque drape is used to provide a sterile operating field, as explained here by the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Because of this drape, the mother is not able to see the moment of birth.
For most moms, it will take four to six weeks to make a full recovery. The day right after your surgery, you'll be encouraged to walk around within the first 12 hours after delivery to help relieve gas buildup in the abdomen, and to eat something light as soon as you feel able.
The average hospital stay after a C-section is 2 to 4 days, and keep in mind recovery often takes longer than it would from a vaginal birth. Walking after the C-section is important to speed recovery and pain medication may be supplied too as recovery takes place.
What is the Golden Hour? After the birth of the baby, both vaginal and c-section birth, the Golden hour consists of uninterrupted and immediate skin to skin contact, limited interventions that are not necessary, if possible and desired having delayed cord clamping, and having the first feeding of baby completed.
buy cotton pants that are high enough to cover your c-section wound, such as full briefs that come up to your waist. buy a few cotton maternity bras – you may find these more comfortable than underwired bras, whether or not you plan to breastfeed. wear comfortable, loose clothes – your maternity clothes are ideal.
After a c-section, you should sleep on your back or side. This shouldn't put too much strain on your c-section wound. You can also try sleeping on your back with your head elevated. Use pillows to keep your spine aligned and take pressure off your joints.
Having a c-section does not increase your risk of having depression. It is natural to feel sad or tearful for a few days after having a baby. This is caused by changes in hormone levels and is called 'baby blues'.
With planned C-sections, a spinal block is most commonly used. If you already have an epidural in place, we may inject stronger medication through the tube to fully numb your lower body to prepare you for a C-section.
Preoperative anxiety in patients under spinal anaesthesia may cause serious complications. We report a case of combined transient convulsion and severe hypotension immediately after spinal anaesthesia for caesarean delivery in a patient who presented with severe preoperative anxiety.