The Ins and Outs of Caesarean Delivery: When It's Necessary, What to Expect, and How to Recover

The Ins and Outs of Caesarean Delivery: When It’s Necessary, What to Expect, and How to Recover

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Obstetrics

Introduction to Caesarean Section

Nature’s way of giving birth to a baby is through vaginal delivery, also known as normal delivery. However, in cases where vaginal delivery is risky, or the risks of the caesarean delivery are outweighed by the benefits, a caesarean section may be recommended. In Sri Lanka, approximately 40% of deliveries are done via caesarean section. And facilities for caesarean delivery are available in most of the base hospitals. The procedure typically takes less than an hour.

Scheduled vs Emergency Caesarean Section

Although caesarean delivery is a common surgical operation, there are potential complications to consider. As such, it is recommended only when necessary. There are two main types of caesarean surgery: scheduled and emergency. In scheduled caesarean delivery, doctors identify the need for the surgery in advance and perform it on a given date and time. Emergency caesarean delivery is done when a complication arises during preparation for a normal or planned caesarean delivery. This procedure is done to reduce the damage that could occur to the mother or baby due to the complication.

Caesarean Section Procedure

The caesarean section procedure usually takes less than an hour and follows these steps:

  1. Administration of spinal anaesthesia or an alternative anaesthetic.
  2. Insertion of a urinary catheter and hair removal from the lower abdominal area, followed by the surgical site’s cleansing and sterilisation.
  3. A small horizontal incision, often called a “bikini line incision,” is made on the lower abdomen, which can be easily covered by underwear.
  4. The surgeon cuts through the layer beneath the skin and then makes a transverse incision in the uterus to access the baby.
  5. The medical team safely delivers the baby, clamps and cuts the umbilical cord, and the mother gets her first look at her newborn.
  6. Breastfeeding can begin before the surgical procedure is complete.
  7. The medical team removes the placenta, cleans the womb, and stitches the layers back together, applying sutures to the uterus, abdominal wall, and skin.

Recovery and Post-Operative Care

After the surgery, a nurse or midwife examines the mother for any bleeding and escort both mother and baby out of the operating room. The numbness in the legs usually wears off in about four hours, at which point the mother takes painkillers to manage any post-surgery discomfort. The mother is then able to eat and breastfeed on her own. The urinary catheter is usually removed 12 hours after the surgery. Within two days, most mothers can get out of bed and walk on their own. It is important to continue taking painkillers and feeding the baby during this period.

Suture Removal and Activity Guidelines

Caesarean sections are a common and generally safe procedure used when vaginal delivery is not possible or poses risks to the mother or baby. By understanding the indications, procedure, and recovery process, pregnant mothers can make informed decisions about their care. With proper care and pain management, most mothers can recover and resume normal activities within a few days.

Conclusion

In summary, caesarean delivery is a common procedure used when vaginal delivery is not possible or poses a risk to the mother or baby. While there are potential risks, the surgery is generally safe and well-tolerated. With proper care and pain management, most mothers can recover and resume normal activities within a few days.

If you are looking for specialized care and individualized attention during your pregnancy, Sugabi Clinic Ragma is here to help. As a dedicated women’s health clinic, we offer comprehensive services and are committed to providing the highest quality care for both you and your baby. To learn more about our services, visit our website at www.sugabi.lk or contact us to schedule an appointment. Your health and well-being are our top priorities.

References

  1. NHS UK. Caesarean section. 2021 [cited 2023 Apr 14]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/caesarean-section/
  2. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Birth after previous caesarean birth (Green-top Guideline No. 45). 2019 [cited 2023 Apr 14]. Available from: https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines-research-services/guidelines/gtg45/
  3. Caesarean section under regional anaesthesia. Br J Anaesth. 2021 [cited 2023 Apr 14]. Available from: https://bjanaesthesia.org/article/S0007-0912(21)00600-4/fulltext
  4. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Caesarean section (CG132). 2011 [cited 2023 Apr 14]. Available from: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg132
  5. Planned caesarean birth: What to expect (Patient Information Leaflet). BMJ. 2019 [cited 2023 Apr 14]. Available from: https://www.bmj.com/content/366/bmj.l4285
  6. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Cesarean birth (C-section). 2019 [cited 2023 Apr 14]. Available from: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/cesarean-birth
  7. World Health Organization. WHO statement on caesarean section rates. 2015 [cited 2023 Apr 14]. Available from: https://www.who.int/reproductivehealth/publications/maternal_perinatal_health/cs-statement/en/

Dr. Chaminda Mathota MBBS (Colombo), MD - Obs & Gyn (Colombo), MRCOG(UK), DRCOG(UK), DOWH RCPI (Ireland), MRCPI(Ireland), Fellowship in laparoscopy, Dip in Advanced Gynae Endoscopy (Germany) Consultant Obstetrician, Gynaecologist & Laparoscopic Surgeon Consultant VOG at Sugabi Clinic Ragama.

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