A caesarean section is the delivery of a baby through an incision in the womb. In some cases, a caesarean section is a safer option for the health of the mother and baby than a normal delivery. Let’s look at what these situations are;
– If labor is not progressing, a caesarean section can be performed. In general, a caesarean section is preferred when labour starts and stops. The cervix may not open sufficiently despite strong contractions in the uterus. Or the baby’s head may be too big to pass through the birth canal. In these cases, cesarean delivery will be preferred.
– If your baby has a heartbeat problem, it will not get enough oxygen and a caesarean section will be performed.
– A caesarean section is considered if your baby’s position is abnormal, i.e. if the feet or buttocks enter the birth canal before the baby’s head, or if the baby is lying on its side in the uterus.
– If your baby’s head enters the birth canal in the wrong position, i.e. with its chin up or forehead forward, it will be difficult for it to exit the birth canal. In this case, a caesarean section would be safer.
– If there are two or more babies, one or more babies are likely to be in an abnormal position. It is preferable to have a caesarean section instead of a normal delivery.
– If there is a problem with the placenta, i.e. the partner, for example if the placenta has detached before the birth begins or if the placenta has closed the cervix, a caesarean section is necessary.
– If there is a problem with the umbilical cord, for example if it is wrapped around your baby’s neck or if the umbilical cord is compressed during uterine contractions, a caesarean section is appropriate.
– If your baby is very big, it will be difficult to give birth normally. A caesarean section may therefore be preferable.
– If you have diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure or heart and lung disease, you will be asked to give birth as early as possible to reduce pregnancy-related problems. If artificial labor is not successful, a caesarean section is performed.
– A caesarean section will also be necessary if there is herpes in the genital area.
– Some health problems of your baby may also require a caesarean section.
– For those who have had a cesarean section before, normal or cesarean delivery may be recommended depending on the type of incision made and the reason for the cesarean section.
What are the Problems that may arise
The recovery time after a caesarean section is longer than after a normal delivery. As with any surgery, there is a possibility of some problems.
Problems that may arise with the baby are as follows;
Breathing problems may occur. Abnormally fast breathing may occur in the first few days. In rare cases, your baby’s skin may also be cut during surgery.
Problems that may arise with the mother are as follows;
Uterine infection may develop. This is characterized by fever, chills, low back pain, foul-smelling vaginal discharge and pain in the groin. Antibiotics are usually prescribed. There may be more bleeding. Twice as much blood is lost compared to normal delivery. But it is rarely necessary to give blood. Urinary tract infection may develop. As with any abdominal surgery, bowel movements slow down. A reaction to anesthesia may develop. Allergic or unwanted side effects may occur. Some women may experience headache after regional anesthesia. It can be treated but it is a slow-healing condition. Clots in the veins are three to four times more likely to form in a normal delivery. If these clots travel to your lungs, life-threatening conditions can develop.
Your doctor will give you medicines to prevent this. You can also help to prevent this by trying to walk soon after the operation. An infection can also develop at the incision site. In this case pus will drain from the incision. In rare cases, other organs may be damaged during the operation and may require another operation to repair them. Remember that your caesarean section will also affect your other pregnancies. You are at increased risk of more serious problems such as bleeding, prolonged labor, abnormal positioning of your baby and uterine rupture. Discuss the possibilities with your doctor before your due date approaches. Decide together which method is best for you and your baby’s health.
How to Make
Before the caesarean section, the abdomen is cleaned. An intravenous line will be opened in your arm, through which medication and fluids will be administered. A catheter is inserted into the urethra. If regional anesthesia, called epidural or spinal anesthesia, is to be used, medication will be administered into the spinal cord space in the lower back to numb the lower part of your body. This way you can see and hear your baby being born without feeling pain. You can also perceive the removal of your baby from the womb and other movements. If you are under general anesthesia, you will be completely asleep and will not be able to hear or hear anything. Your operation will take about 30 to 45 minutes. First, your doctor will make an incision in your abdomen. This incision is usually at the bottom of the abdomen, transversely. However, depending on the situation, a different incision can also be made, i.e. a longitudinal incision. After your baby is born, its mouth and nose are cleaned and the umbilical cord is clamped and cut. The placenta, the partner, is removed from the uterus and all the cut layers are sutured.
How Recovery Happens
After a caesarean section, mother and baby usually stay in hospital for three days. When the anesthesia wears off, intravenous medication is continued to relieve the pain. She will then continue to take oral painkillers as necessary. Some time after the operation, the baby will start walking with help. The sooner you start moving, the better for bowel movements and dangerous blood clots. The IV line and catheter are removed 12-24 hours after the caesarean section. While you are in hospital, your surgical site will be monitored for infection. Your appetite, what you eat and drink, urine and stool output will also be checked.
How to start breastfeeding
It will be difficult to breastfeed when you are uncomfortable because of the IV in your arm and the incision in your abdomen. But with help you should start breastfeeding as soon as possible. The nurses will help you with how to breastfeed. Your doctor will give you painkillers that you can take while breastfeeding. Remember to tell your doctor that you are breastfeeding if you need any other medicines.
What Happens After Hospital Discharge
Your wound will take about four to six weeks to heal. The feeling of weakness and discomfort will also pass during this time. Make sure you take time to rest during this time. Put the things you and your baby need within easy reach. Do not lift anything heavier than your baby until your check-up at the end of six weeks. Make sure your position is correct when standing and walking. Support your sore spot with your hand during movements that strain your abdomen, such as coughing or laughing. Use an extra support such as a pillow or towel while breastfeeding. Too many visitors will make you very tired, especially in the first week. So you will need to set a limit. Increase the amount of fluid you drink. This is important both to replace lost fluids and to increase your milk supply. Remember not to let your urine sit for too long to avoid a urinary tract infection. Most doctors recommend waiting six weeks to start sexual intercourse. But in the meantime, do not neglect each other and try to spend quality time together. Avoid driving, as you may need to move suddenly. Let someone else drive the car. If you are going somewhere with your baby, you need to be confident.
Take your medicines as needed. If you have pain, you can take paracetamol group painkillers. If you have other problems, do not take medication without consulting your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any signs of infection, such as fever, swelling, redness or discharge at the incision site in your abdomen or similar symptoms in your breast. You may also need help with puerperal melancholia if you are constantly feeling down mentally.
Is it possible to have a normal birth again?
Years ago, normal birth was no longer recommended for women who had a caesarean section. Now, however, most women who have had a caesarean section can also be offered a normal delivery. It is unlikely that a tear will form through the incision made for a caesarean section.