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About C-Sections & Pelvic Surgery
Overview: C-Sections & Pelvic Surgery
If you’re expecting a baby, you’re probably preparing in many ways for your new arrival. One preparation you shouldn’t skip is learning more about C-sections even if you’re anticipating a vaginal birth.
As of 2005, over 30% of all babies in the U.S. were delivered via C-section. Some of the reasons for this high rate include safety concerns for patients who had previous C-sections and lower rates of vaginal births after a previous C-section. Some women plan their C-sections in advance; but for many other women, the decision to deliver via C-section must be made spontaneously during labor.
What Is a C-section?
“C-section” stands for “Cesarean section.” It’s a surgical method of delivering a baby that can be an effective alternative to the natural method of vaginal delivery.
During a C-section, a surgeon delivers the baby through an incision in the mother’s abdominal wall and uterus, usually under spinal, epidural or general anesthesia.
About the C-section Procedure
The first step is for the mother to receive anesthesia to reduce pain. The type of anesthesia used during a C-section depends on the mother’s and baby’s current conditions; but in most cases, the doctor gives the mother either a spinal or epidural anesthetic to numb her legs and abdomen. Either of these methods allows the patient to remain awake during the delivery without feeling pain. Sometimes, however, it’s preferable to give the mother general anesthesia, putting her to sleep during the operation.
Then the surgeon makes either a vertical or horizontal incision in the mother’s abdomen, just above the pubic area. This is followed by a horizontal incision on the lower part of the uterus. The baby is gently removed with the placenta (or afterbirth). The incision is then tightly sutured, or stitched, back together.
The typical hospital stay after a C-section lasts from 3-5 days. Patients are usually encouraged to get out of bed the day after the operation, and they can return to their full range of daily activities within 4-6 weeks.
Read more articles about C-Sections and Pelvic Surgery:
- Why Are C-Sections Necessary?
- About Pelvic Adhesions
- Focus On: One Method for Reducing Pelvic Adhesions
Click here to download questions to ask your doctor: http://www.pelvichealthsolutions.com/c-sections-talk-to-doctor
Click here to download questions to ask your doctor about adhesions:
http://www.pelvichealthsolutions.com/interceed-talk-to-doctor
