What happens during a planned C-section?

Your caesarean section operation
Once the anaesthetic is working properly, the doctor will make cuts in your tummy and your uterus. Both cuts will be about 10 cm long. Your baby will be lifted out through the cuts. You might feel a tugging or pulling sensation, but there won't be any pain.

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What happens on day of planned C-section?

The operation

You'll be asked to change into a hospital gown when you arrive at the hospital on the day of the caesarean section. A thin, flexible tube called a catheter will be inserted into your bladder to empty it while you're under the anaesthetic, and a small area of pubic hair will be trimmed if necessary.

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How painful is a planned C-section?

Most women experience some discomfort for the first few days after a caesarean, and for some women the pain can last several weeks. You should make sure you have regular painkillers to take at home for as long as you need them, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.

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What should I do the night before my C-section?

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.

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Does your cervix open with a planned C-section?

During elective (planned) caesarean sections, some obstetricians routinely dilate the cervix intraoperatively, using sponge forceps, a finger, or other instruments, because the cervix of women not in labour may not be dilated, and this may cause obstruction of blood or lochia drainage.

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Having a planned caesarean section at St Michael's Hospital

39 related questions found

How long does a planned C-section take?

A caesarean section is an operation to give birth to your baby. Caesarean section surgery usually takes 30-60 minutes, although the entire process takes a few hours. There'll be many people in the operating theatre with you.

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How do I prepare for a planned C-section?

5 tips to prepare for your C-section
  1. Restrict solid foods for eight hours before the C-section. ...
  2. Shower with a special soap. ...
  3. Don't shave your stomach or pubic area. ...
  4. Discuss with your doctor how incisions should be closed. ...
  5. Discuss pain management. ...
  6. Insert a Foley catheter. ...
  7. Prevent blood clots.

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How many hours after C-section can I walk?

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.

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What should I pack for a planned C-section?

What to pack in your hospital bag for a C-section
  • a file or folder with essential medical paperwork, list of current medications, insurance card, etc.
  • a credit card and small amount of cash.
  • printed copies of your birth plan.
  • a list of important phone numbers (unless they're already saved on your phone)
  • your cell phone.

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When can I sleep in bed after C-section?

Sleeping in an upright seated position

Especially if you're breastfeeding, sleeping upright makes it easier to feed your little one during those multiple nightly feedings. Upright sleeping isn't a long-term solution though, as most people can transition back to the bed around 2 weeks after delivery.

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How long are you in hospital after planned C-section?

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.

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Why do they not put you to sleep for C-section?

Under most circumstances, undergoing a c-section via Spinal Anesthesia or Epidural Anesthesia (rather than General Anesthesia) is preferred since it involves less risk and has the advantage of allowing you to be awake during your baby's birth.

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Is the mother sedated during C-section?

The mother is given an anesthetic throughout the whole operation. Women who have a Cesarean section usually have a choice of two or three options: A general anesthetic, where they are completely unconscious, and two types of regional anesthetic known as “epidural” and “spinal” anesthesia.

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Can you go home 1 day after C-section?

When can I go home after a c-section? You will usually stay in hospital for 2-4 days after your c-section. If you and your baby are well, and you have someone to help you at home, you may be able to go home after 24 hours.

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How many hours does C-section last?

How Long Does a Cesarean Surgery Take? Though every woman's situation is unique, the delivery of a baby via cesarean may take as little as 15 to 20 minutes, with a further 45 minutes needed to stitch up the uterus and abdominal incision.

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How do you stay calm during a planned C-section?

Try to relax, meditate, and stay positive. It can be hard to control your worries before a C-section. But deep-breathing exercises can help you stay calm and focused. You can learn these and other ways to relax in childbirth classes.

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What week is best for planned C-section?

Experts recommend that scheduled cesarean delivery be conducted from 39 weeks onwards [5], so that fetal maturity is complete.

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Do you need maternity pads after C-section?

Maternity pads - You'll need these as you'll still experience some bleeding from your womb (uterus), or lochia, as with a vaginal birth. You may need as many as 24 pads, though you may want to buy more than this and keep some at home for when you leave hospital.

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What time of day is best for C-section?

Cesarean deliveries with no trial of labor were much more concentrated during the day, especially around 8 a.m. "This makes sense, as C-sections are usually scheduled during the daytime hours and wouldn't be scheduled overnight or into the early hours of the morning," says Jennifer Wu, MD, obstetrician/gynecologist at ...

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How many nights stay in hospital after C-section?

Most women will remain in the hospital for 2 to 3 days after a cesarean birth (C-section). Take advantage of the time to bond with your new baby, get some rest, and receive some help with breastfeeding and caring for your baby.

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How long does it take to wake up after C-section?

If you have had a general anaesthetic, you will stay in the recovery room until you wake up, usually in about 30 to 60 minutes. You will be able to see your baby when you wake up. Your baby may be allowed to stay with you unless the team is worried about your health or the baby's health.

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When can I shower after C-section?

You may remove your wound dressing and take showers if stitches, staples, or glue were used to close your skin. Do not soak in a bathtub or hot tub, or go swimming, until your provider tells you it is OK. In most cases, this is not until 3 weeks after surgery.

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What can I expect at my first C-section appointment?

Your provider checks your blood pressure, weight, breasts and belly. If you had a cesarean birth (also called c-section), your provider may want to see you about 2 weeks after you give birth so she can check on your c-section incision (cut).

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Do you get an epidural for a planned C-section?

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.

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Do I need to shave before a cesarean?

Prepare your skin

You need to stop shaving or waxing your pubic area or bikini line at least 1 week before your caesarean birth. This reduces the chance of infection.

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