Caesarean Birth
A Caesarean birth, also known as a ‘C-section,’ occurs when your doctor delivers your baby by cutting into your abdomen and uterus.
Your health-care provider may recommend this type of birth to protect your health or your baby’s health.
Why C-Sections Are Done
If your health-care provider recommends a c-section, they will schedule it before labour, typically close to your baby’s due date. Sometimes, doctors perform a c-section to ensure a quick delivery for you and your baby’s safety. Because of the risks involved, most physicians recommend against planning a c-section for convenience or to avoid the natural labour process.
Placenta previa (where your placenta blocks your cervix)Breech position (where your baby’s feet or bottom face the opening of your uterus instead of the head)Transverse position (where your baby lies sideways in the uterus)If you have a disease or condition that labour may worsen, or if your baby has a known health problem, such as spina bifida.If you are having multiples, depending on the position and number of babies.If you previously had a c-section birth.
If your baby shows signs of distress, your doctor and nurse will monitor the heart rate for this.When your baby cannot pass through the opening in your pelvis.If your baby moves into a position that makes vaginal birth difficult or impossible.If your placenta partially or completely breaks away from the wall of the uterus, causing a placental abruption that can lead to excessive bleeding and decreased oxygen supply to your baby.If issues with the umbilical cord reduce or cut off the blood supply to your baby.If your labour is difficult, slow, or not progressing, which can increase the risk of infection.
Risks and Benefits
C-sections are common and considered safe and quick, but like any surgery or medical procedure, they come with benefits and risks. If your health-care provider suggests you need one, ask questions about why it may be beneficial and what alternatives you have.
InfectionHeavy blood lossA blood clot in your legs or lungsNausea, vomiting, and severe headache after you deliverBowel problems, such as constipationInjury to another organ (such as the bladder) during surgeryMaternal death (extremely rare)
Injury during delivery (rare)Needing care in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)Immature lungs and breathing problems that might require medical supportPotential challenges with breastfeeding
C-Section Procedure
Most c-sections use epidural or spinal anesthesia to numb your abdominal area. Your health-care provider will give you instructions on how to prepare for your surgery.
You and any support people in the operating room will need to wear scrubs.A curtain will be set up across your chest to block your view of the surgery.A nurse will place a small intravenous (IV) tube in your arm or hand and may give you a sedative through the IV to help you relax.A catheter will be inserted into your bladder to allow you to pass urine during and after the surgery.Nursing staff may shave your upper pubic area and wash your abdomen and pubic area with an antibacterial solution.The medical team will closely monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, heart rhythm, and blood oxygen level before, during, and after the procedure.Your doctor will check that the anesthesia is working, then make the incision through your lower abdomen and uterus. You will feel intense pressure as your doctor delivers your baby.After delivering your baby, your doctor will remove the placenta and close the uterus and the incision with stitches.After surgery, your health-care team will move you to a recovery area to care for and observe you.You will stay in the recovery area for one to four hours before moving to a hospital room.Your nurse will provide information to support your recovery, along with any specific instructions from your doctor.
Hold your partner’s hand if you can reach it.Offer emotional support.Sit close and stroke their head or hair.Support their head or massage their neck.Wipe away their tears if they cry (which is common at any birth).Hold your baby skin-to-skin after birth if your partner can’t do it.