Caesarean section: procedure, safety, side effects, and benefits

Definition

What is a C-section?

Caesarean section (caesarean section) is the process of giving birth to a baby that is done by cutting the abdomen to the mother's uterus.

The incision in the abdomen is a way for the baby to pass out of the womb. The doctor usually makes a long, horizontal incision just above the pubic bone.

This method of delivery is usually done when pregnant women give birth in the hospital, not when the mother gives birth at home.

The method of delivery by caesarean section is usually done around the 39th week, or when your doctor recommends that you have this surgery.

Usually the doctor will recommend childbirth or caesarean section if your pregnancy is at risk.

Compared to a normal vaginal delivery, delivery by caesarean section does require a longer healing time.

So, the same length of time to cure a cesarean section and a normal delivery falls under the myth of a cesarean delivery.

This is because after a normal delivery, you do not need long enough to be in the hospital such as after having a cesarean delivery or a cesarean section.

That is why it is important to consult a doctor first before deciding to undergo this birthing procedure.

However, don't forget to prepare childbirth preparations and delivery supplies before your delivery day arrives.

So, when there are signs of childbirth such as the opening of the delivery, labor contractions, until the water breaks, the mother can immediately go to the hospital.

When do I need to have a C-section?

A cesarean delivery is generally inevitable if you have pregnancy complications.

These complications can usually complicate the process or how to deliver a normal vaginal delivery.

Even if you are forced to carry out a normal delivery process, it is feared that there is a risk of endangering the health and safety of you and the baby.

This is where the doctor will suggest options for undergoing a cesarean delivery method.

The cesarean delivery process can be planned from the beginning or the middle of the pregnancy period, as well as when labor complications arise.

The reason for caesarean section is due to certain conditions

Here are various reasons why a cesarean section should be done:

• Previous cesarean delivery history
• There has been no progress for a normal vaginal delivery
• The delivery process is hampered
• The baby's exit position begins with the shoulder (transverse delivery)
• The size of the baby's head or body is too large to be born vaginally
• Position of the fetus in the breech or transverse womb
• Complications arise early in pregnancy
• The mother has health problems that put her at risk, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease
• Mothers experience health problems that are at risk of transmitting to babies, such as genital herpes and HIV, launching from the NHS page
• Mothers are short because they usually have a small pelvis
• Have given birth by caesarean section before
• There are problems with the placenta, such as placental abruption or placenta previa.
• There is a problem with the baby's umbilical cord.
• Babies have congenital abnormalities.
• Are pregnant with twins, triplets, or more.
• The baby in the womb has health problems, such as hydrocephalus or fibroids.
• The mother has problems with the uterus or fibroids that block the cervix (cervix).

Caesarean section or cesarean delivery can also be due to the mother experiencing premature rupture of the membranes.

If the premature rupture of the membranes has been going on for a long time (more than 12-24 hours) and the gestational age is over 34 weeks, it is recommended to go into labor immediately.

Most doctors will advise pregnant women to have a cesarean delivery if the water breaks too quickly.

This is because it is not time for a normal vaginal delivery.

The reason for the caesarean section is because of the mother's wishes

Apart from certain medical conditions, the desire to have a caesarean section is also an option for pregnant women for various reasons:

• Having fears or worries about having a vaginal delivery procedure.
• Having previous birth experiences.
• Influence from family, loved ones, and information obtained regarding childbirth.

If in fact your condition and your baby allow for a normal delivery procedure but you want a caesarean section, you should further consult with your doctor.

Things to note

What should I know before having a C-section?

Caesarean section is actually fairly safe. However, it is possible that sometimes there will be one or more risks that are more than normal delivery.

The recovery process in labor or caesarean section also tends to take longer than a normal vaginal delivery.

Your doctor may advise you to have a blood test before cesarean delivery.

The blood test will later show information about your blood type, hemoglobin level, and so on.

This information is useful for the medical team, if later you need blood transfusions during or after a cesarean section.

If you are planning to have a vaginal delivery but are concerned about a cesarean section, consult your doctor or midwife first.

Dig up more information about the caesarean section procedure that is usually performed.

If the mother has previously undergone a cesarean delivery process, there is no problem returning to a cesarean delivery.

In fact, there is no limit to the number of times a cesarean section has to be performed so this is a myth of having a cesarean section or a cesarean section.

However, other opinions say that there is an increased risk after giving birth to a third cesarean in some people.

In addition, giving birth normally is also not recommended after you have had three cesarean sections.

Is it safe to have a cesarean section even though you can give birth normally?

It needs careful consideration before having a cesarean section when you can actually give birth normally.

You need to consider the readiness and health of the baby. If you can give birth normally, you should choose this method rather than giving birth by caesarean section.

There is no evidence to suggest that a cesarean delivery is a safer way than a normal delivery.

Although a normal delivery may appear to be excessively painful, there is less risk of a vaginal delivery if you don't have a medical condition that requires a cesarean delivery.

Process

What should I do before cesarean section?

Before undergoing a cesarean section, there are several recommendations that are usually given by the doctor.

Sometimes, the doctor will ask you to take a shower using an antiseptic soap, especially in the area of ​​the incision during labor or a later cesarean section.

Avoid shaving or cutting pubic hair within 24 hours before the caesarean section takes place.

The reason is, shaving can actually increase the risk of infection after cesarean section.

If later it needs to be removed, usually the medical team will shave it before the caesarean section takes place.

Furthermore, preparations are continued in the hospital by cleaning the stomach or the area where an incision will be made for cesarean delivery.

Next, a catheter will be inserted into the bladder to collect urine. An IV or intravenous (IV) needle is also inserted into the vein in the hand to introduce certain fluids and medications.

The final preparation before entering the real caesarean delivery process is the administration of anesthesia or anesthesia.

Most caesarean delivery procedures are performed under epidural or spinal anesthesia, leaving only numbness from the abdomen to the legs.

While the stomach is up to the head, remain in the usual condition.

That is why, you will still be unconscious during the c-section, but without experiencing pain.

However, in some cases, the doctor may provide general anesthesia.

This anesthetic or anesthetic can make you sleep or be unconscious at all during a cesarean delivery.

How does the cesarean section take place?

As previously explained, there are 3 types of anesthesia or anesthesia before giving birth by caesarean section.

• Spinal block (spinal anesthesia). An anesthetic that is injected directly into the spinal cord, which can numb the lower part of the body.
• Epidural. A type of anesthetic that is commonly used during normal labor or by c-section, which is injected into the lower back outside the spinal cord.
• General. Anesthetic that can make you completely unconscious.

Before the cesarean section, the doctor will clean your stomach and prepare for intravenous fluids (IV).

Infusion will facilitate the entry of fluids and all types of drugs that may be needed during the caesarean section.

In addition, doctors can also insert a catheter to keep the bladder empty during a cesarean section.

This surgical procedure begins when the doctor makes a horizontal incision just above the section of your pubic hair.

Alternatively, the doctor can make a vertical incision from the navel to the pubic bone.

Then the doctor will open your abdominal cavity by making an incision one by one in each layer of the stomach.

After the abdominal cavity opens, the next step is to make a horizontal incision in the lower part of the uterus.

The direction of the incision is not absolute, it depends on the medical condition that you and your baby are experiencing.

When the uterus has begun to open, this is where the baby will be released.

Babies who are born are usually still filled with amniotic fluid, mucus, and blood in the mouth and nose.

The doctor and medical team will clean the baby's mouth and nose first, then cut the umbilical cord.

After the baby comes out, the doctor then takes the placenta in your uterus.

If all of the procedures have been successfully carried out, the incisions in your uterus and abdomen will be closed by the doctor with stitches.

What should I do after cesarean section?

Doctors usually ask you and your baby to rest for a few days in the hospital.

The rest period is usually around 3-5 days, can be shorter or longer.

Try to drink plenty of fluids while you are recovering from having a cesarean section.

Drinking lots of water will help prevent constipation and other medical conditions.

Doctors and other medical teams will also monitor the condition of the stitches in the caesarean section scar on a regular basis.

This aims to find out as early as possible if there are signs of postoperative infection.

Usually you will still use the IV to add fluids or insert medication, but the catheter tube will be removed after the caesarean section is complete.

No need to worry, you can also breastfeed your baby as soon as your body is healthy and feels up to it.

Also, get adequate rest whenever possible.

In the first few weeks, avoid lifting weights that are too heavy for your baby and avoid lifting weights from a squatting position.

Usually the doctor will also prescribe painkillers from cesarean section. Most of the painkillers are safe for nursing mothers.

Quoting the Mayo Clinic, avoid sex for six weeks after cesarean section to prevent infection.

Make sure you don't forget to ask your doctor about the treatments you need to take during this recovery period.

To speed up the healing process after cesarean section, doctors usually recommend that you limit excessive physical activity when you return home.

For 4-6 weeks after cesarean section, you may not be advised to do strenuous exercise, lift heavy objects, or insert anything into your vagina.

During the recovery period after cesarean section, here are some tips that you can apply:

• Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water.
• Take medication according to doctor's instructions.
• Enough rest.
• Use a pillow to support the caesarean section incision in the abdomen if needed.

Complications

What are the complications that may occur in a cesarean section?

Actually, a C-section is a safe surgical procedure to do. However, this procedure still carries the risk of developing complications afterwards.

Here are the various risks of cesarean section that may occur:

Risk to mother

The main risks of cesarean section for the mother include:

• Bleeding
• Blood clotting
• Surgical wound infection
• Side effects of anesthesia or anesthesia
• Surgical injury to the bladder or intestines, requiring further surgery
• Increase the risk of complications in subsequent pregnancies
• An infection of the uterine lining, otherwise known as endometritis
• Blood clots (thrombosis) in the legs

Risks to babies

The most common problem for babies born by caesarean section is breathing problems

. This condition usually lasts for the first few days after birth.

This risk can increase when the baby is born before 39 weeks of gestation.

Meanwhile, for babies born at week 39 or more by cesarean section, the risk of these breathing problems is usually reduced.

In addition, babies are also at risk for injury caused by accidental scratches on the skin during a c-section.

Is it possible to avoid cesarean section?

Caesarean section is actually inevitable. How to give birth by caesarean section inevitably must be undertaken when your condition does not support normal delivery.

When the doctor recommends that you undergo a labor or cesarean section, it means that both you and the baby can be at risk if you are forced to have a normal delivery.

However, you can make various efforts to avoid cesarean section so that you can have a normal delivery.

Take for example by regularly exercising such as walking, attending classes for pregnant women, and giving positive suggestions to yourself.

It's just that, that doesn't mean you can't give birth to normal again after having had a cesarean delivery before.

This is included in the myth of giving birth to a caesarean section.

The reason is, giving birth normally after cesarean section or vaginal birth after caesarian (VBAC) may be done depending on the condition of the mother.