Cesarean Section: How It's Done

It's one thing to discuss a cesarean delivery in theory and quite another to have a cesarean delivery. You really need to know more about the procedure. You figure that knowing the facts has got to be better than remaining in a state of dread due to fear of the unknown.

You're right. That's why we're offering you the following overview of the surgical aspects of c-section. In other words, this article relates what happens after consent forms are signed, and the woman has been shaved, catheterized, and anesthetized.

The surgeon waits until the anesthesia has kicked in at which point your abdomen is painted with antiseptic. The doctor then makes a short horizontal incision in the skin just above your pubic bone. This incision is known as the "bikini cut."

The physician cuts through the tissue that lies between your skin and your uterus. As the surgeon reaches the abdominal muscles, he separates them with his hands to see what lies beneath. This is preferable to cutting through the muscle tissue. At the point when your doctor reaches the uterus, he makes a small horizontal incision in the lower portion of the womb. This is known as a low transverse incision.

In rare cases, the doctor will decide to use an older type of uterine incision. This classical incision is vertical rather than horizontal. This cut may be necessary if the baby is very early and the lower uterus is still too thick to cut. If this type of incision is required, it is probable that you won't be a candidate for having a vaginal birth in a future delivery.

Brief Moment Before Your Baby Is Born: C-Section

The physician then reaches into your womb to lift out the baby. You will have a brief moment to bond with your newborn before he must receive standard newborn care from the pediatrician or nurse. As the staff cares for your baby, the doctor delivers your placenta and closes up the surgical incisions.

Once the baby is examined, he may be handed to your partner who can hold the baby close to you so you can touch and admire your baby as you are stitched up. The stitching up is done in layers. The top layer is closed with staples or stitches which are removed within a few days to a week after the surgery. The process of closing the incisions takes a great deal longer than getting in to take the baby out and the process may take a half an hour.

At Last! The Birth of Your Baby via C-Section

After the surgery, your bed will be wheeled into the recovery room where your progress will be watched for a few hours. If your baby is doing well, he may be able to join you in the recovery room and you will at last be allowed to hold him.

You can even try to nurse him if you like. In general, the most comfortable position is side by side, with you and baby facing toward each other.