Information on C-Sections
When I finally became pregnant and shared the news with my loved ones, my friend Sheryl looked me right in the face and said, "Schedule a C-Section, it's the only civilized way to have a baby." Though I am not yet sure if scheduling a C-Section is the right choice for me, I wanted to share the information I found on C-Sections with other expectant moms who are considering it.
Traditionally, C-Sections were performed in an emergency under strict guidelines including signs of fetal distress; a baby who won't fit through the birth canal; an umbilical cord wrapped around the baby's neck or dropping through the cervix (either of which may cut off the baby's oxygen supply); or labor that's failing to progress, even with Pitocin. In other circumstances, your doctor may feel the need to schedule a cesarean before you go into labor. These include cases of maternal illness, such as preeclampsia, diabetes, or an active herpes infection; when the baby is in a breech (feet or buttocks first) or transverse (sideways) position; and when the placenta is blocking the cervix (placenta previa) or beginning to tear away from the uterine wall (placental abruption). Or you may elect to have a C-Section yourself.
As expectant mothers, we are very lucky. There are many birthing methods available to us today, from hypnobirthing and other natural methods to scheduled Cesarean Sections. In the past few years, preplanned cesarean sections without a medical cause have increased by 30 percent. It is clearly more convenient, and you do avoid the pain of labor! But, it is important to remember that it is major surgery and a serious decision. While the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists allows women to make the choice, they must be fully aware of the risks, such as the chance of surgical complications and a longer recovery time.
Cesareans are usually performed with epidural anesthesia. Therefore, you'll be awake and your partner will probably be able to stay with you. In an emergency, however, you may require general anesthesia, leaving you unconscious and your partner in the waiting room. In preparation, you may need to have your abdomen shaved, a catheter inserted in your urethra to drain your bladder, and an IV line put into your arm to administer fluids. Your doctor will make two incisions, the first in your skin and the second in the wall of your uterus. The baby will then be pulled out, followed by the placenta. The procedure often takes less than 15 minutes.
C-Sections can have an effect on the baby. C-Sections can cause breathing problems in infants in some cases because the lungs are the last organs to mature. This can occur, for example, if surgery is scheduled a week before the due date and your due date is off by a week. Also, if the child does not pass through the birth canal, less fluid will be squeezed out of the lungs, which makes breathing harder in the first couple of days.
Recovery is more difficult when you've had a C-Section. As mentioned before, it is a major surgery. In addition to bleeding and discharge, constipation, fatigue, and hormonal shifts, you can expect incision pain, severe gas pain (walking around often helps), and possible anemia due to the additional blood loss, which can exacerbate your exhaustion. Prescription pain medication for the first week and ibuprofen after that can help. If you are nursing, you should talk to your doctor about which medications are safe.
