There's no single "best" C-section; the ideal type depends on medical necessity, but the low transverse incision ("bikini cut") is generally preferred for being less painful, healing better, and causing fewer issues in future pregnancies, while a classical incision (vertical) is reserved for emergencies or specific conditions like breech babies, increasing risks in later births. The choice between elective (planned) and emergency (non-elective) C-sections depends on the situation, with planned ones often done at 39 weeks and emergencies occurring during labor due to complications.
In most cases, vaginal births or natural births can be safer than cesarean births, more commonly known as C-sections, but that doesn't mean that C-sections aren't safe. C-sections are a common procedure and sometimes may be a better and safer delivery method for the parent and baby depending on the situation.
Types of caesarean sections
A vertical incision on the uterus causes less bleeding and better access to the fetus, but renders the mother unable to attempt a vaginal delivery (must have another repeat C-section) in the future.
A C-section includes two surgical cuts, called incisions. After the first cut through the skin, a cut is made through the wall of the uterus. The images above show how the cut through the uterus might be made. Low transverse incisions, shown at the top left, are the most common.
Vertical C-section scar.
Known as a classical cesarean section, this 4- to 6-inch up-and-down cut allows OBs quicker access to baby during an emergency C-section and easier access to a preterm baby. “For women who are obese, they'll have less wound infection and problems with a vertical incision,” says Barnes.
Victoria Beckham has had four C-sections, delivering all her children—Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz, and Harper Seven—via the surgical procedure, a choice she stated was due to medical reasons, not simply being "too posh to push".
The most serious risk of vertical incision in the contractile corpus is uterine rupture in the subsequent pregnancy. Therefore, cases of prior classical cesarean section are contraindicated for trial of labor after cesarean section.
Vertical C-section incisions
It's also used more often in patients with a higher weight. Unfortunately, a vertical incision takes longer to heal, may be a little more painful, and is more obvious once healed than a transverse incision.
The 5-5-5 rule for postpartum C-section recovery is a guideline for the first 15 days, emphasizing 5 days in bed, 5 days on the bed, and 5 days around the bed, focusing on rest, gradual movement, bonding, and healing by limiting activity and staying near a resting spot for essential needs only. It's a structured way to encourage vital rest and set boundaries with visitors, preventing overexertion during the critical initial healing phase after major surgery.
PRINCIPLES OF GENTLE METHOD CAESAREAN BIRTH
This generally refers to one or all of the following; a slow physiological birth of the baby, optimal cord clamping and delivery into skin-to-skin. A version of these adaptations to the traditional Caesarean procedure was first described in BJOG in 2008[1].
However, Alia made sure to let the world know about her fitness journey postpartum. For the unversed, Alia had a C-section delivery.
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.
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.
Once the baby is delivered the uterus is closed with a double layer of stitching. Four of the five remaining layers are stitched with a single layer of stitching, but one layer is not restitched as it heals better – with no buckling and reduced chance of scar tissue developing, without restitiching.
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.
You can do the opposite to get back into bed. “I was not prepared for how difficult I would find getting out of bed after my second c-section. The first few days are the worst so if you can sleep sitting up, it's probably worth trying!”
Recovery and Outlook
Make sure an adult is there to help you get up from bed the first several days following C-section surgery. Most people stay in the hospital between two and three days. A full recovery can take between four and six weeks. Ask your healthcare provider what you can expect during recovery.
After Going Home:
Your activity level should be kept low until your health care provider suggests an increase in activity. Initially, you should avoid lifting anything heavier than your baby, and avoid most housework. Your lochia bleeding will change over time and can increase with activity and position changes.
The night before
To reduce the risk of aspiration, you can vomit after having your anaesthetic or whilst having your C-section. Ensure you have a late evening meal or plan a substantial pre-bed snack.
You may be able to cut the baby's umbilical cord if it is safe to do so and it is something that you and your partner want to do. Find out what happens during a c-section.
Type of earlier C-section incision Most C-sections use a low sideways cut on the uterus, called a transverse incision. People who have had a low transverse incision typically can try to have a VBAC. But those who had a high vertical incision, also called a classical incision, typically cannot attempt a VBAC.
As well as three adopted children, Angelina Jolie has three biological children, Shiloh and twins Knox and Vivienne, who were all born via c-section. Shiloh was breech, and born by a c-section in Namibia in 2006. Angelina's twins Knox and Vivienne were born in the same way in 2008.
Victoria Beckham has spoken openly about her self-diagnosed learning disabilities, dyslexia and dyscalculia, revealing she struggled academically and was bullied as a child for these conditions, which weren't recognized at the time, leading to her being called "thick" by peers. She shared this on the Call Her Daddy podcast while promoting her Netflix documentary, highlighting how these challenges, similar to other visible differences, helped her develop resilience for her public career.