How you want to bring your little one into this world is completely your choice. By this we mean, whether you want to give birth to your baby with a vagina or C-section, it’s completely your take. There are many things to take note of while preparing for your baby's birth i.e., from where you want to deliver to who you want in the delivery room with you and how you want to deliver.
Giving birth vaginally is one of the safest ways of delivering birth, however, these days many women either due to personal choice or because of medical conditions prefer a Cesarean delivery—also known as a C-section—which means giving birth to a child through an abdominal incision.
Whatever the reason behind this, if you are expecting a baby soon, you must know what is C-section in pregnancy. This blog takes you through all the details on the c-section procedure, precautions after c-section and much more.
9 Things You Must Know About C-Section
1. C-section Delivery Has Risk Associated With It
There’s a prevalent myth that a C-section procedure eases labour pain, however, the fact that cannot be denied is that it is an extensive abdominal surgery that has risk associated with it. A C-section delivery may lead to blood loss, infection, and harm to nearby organs. Additionally, pulmonary embolism, a blood clot that goes to the lungs, is more likely to occur after a C-section than it is after a vaginal delivery. Hence, it is recommended to take precautions after a c-section.
2. The Pain After A C-section Is More Intense
Many women opt for C-sections to avoid discomfort in giving birth, but the reality is, pain in C-sections lasts for a longer time after delivery as compared to vaginal birth. Everything hurts, from laughing, coughing, and sneezing, to any basic activity that involves pressure on the abdomen. However, when the baby is delivered vaginally, there is a certain level of discomfort but the pain heals very quickly. Vaginal delivery has a fast recovery as compared to c-sections.
3. Having A Scar Is For Real
If do not have an idea about how a c-section is done, let us tell you, in a c-section procedure, most frequently, the incision is made two fingerbreadths above the pubic bone. The cut is normally around 10 centimetres long and goes upward towards your belly button. However, if there are any complications in the delivery or if you have twins, your doctor may have to go with a wider incision.
4. Chances Of Health Risk Are High
With more than one c-section procedure, your chances of health risk multiply. The major reason behind this is the scar tissue that forms typically after surgery. This can result in placenta accrete, a condition in which\ the placenta develops too deeply into the uterine wall where the scar tissue from the prior C-section existed. It can result in significant blood loss during delivery and increase your risk of needing a hysterectomy. Additionally, with each additional C-section, the risk of bowel and bladder damage as well as severe bleeding after labour increases.
5. You Might Get Numb With Anaesthesia, But Still, You’ll Feel Something
By now you are aware of what is c-section in pregnancy and how a c-section is done. The process will start with your doctor numbing you with local anaesthesia while you are awake during the C-section procedure. A numbing sensation will spread from your armpits or chest down your body. This implies that you won't experience any pain throughout an operation or the delivery of your child. Though you'll be numb, you'll still feel something, like a light tugging, swaying, or pressure when your doctor delivers your baby.
6. Having A C-section Once Doesn’t Mean You Have To Get It Next Time
There is a traditional belief that once a C-section, always a C-section. But, in present times, the theory seems to be very redundant. Depending on the circumstances of the first pregnancy, doctors now frequently advise what is known as Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC). You should talk to your OBGYN if you tried once and discovered after hours of labour that giving birth vaginally was simply not in the cards for you.
7. Precautions After C-sections Are Almost Same As Vaginal Delivery
Doctors generally advise not to do any heavy lifting or driving for the first two weeks, refrain from doing exercise or running for about 4 weeks and stay away from sex for 6 weeks after the C-section. Although, the same restrictions are there in a normal delivery, however, they are slightly less strict. The incision will be tight after approximately a week, so you won't have to worry about it rupturing.
When you start exercising again, you must pay attention to your body and stop if you experience any pain. The body has a good way of communicating with you, and if you ignore it, your recovery might take a toss.
8. Breastfeeding Might Come Difficult
The first time you breastfeed might seem a little strange due to numbness. You probably won't feel anything, which causes great anxiety in some women.
9. Your Baby Isn’t Colonised With Your Bacteria
Many individuals are unaware of the fact that your kid won't be exposed to your bacteria because they are delivered from your uterus through your abdominal wall. You might think that this may have less chance of infection in your baby, however, the opposite is true. Your vaginal and intestinal flora contribute to the colonisation of your baby's first intestinal bacteria or gut flora.
Bringing new life into this world is no less than a miracle and only women are capable of doing it. So no matter if you are opting for a c-section or vaginal delivery to bring your baby into this world, you are a brave woman and mother.
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Frequently Asked Questions On C-section Procedure
Q. Is C-section delivery painful?
A: During the C-section procedure, you might not feel much pain but post-delivery the pain is real. It takes more time to recover post-C-section delivery as compared to vaginal delivery.
Q. How many C-sections can a woman have?
A: There isn’t any definite number as to how many C-sections a woman can have. However, with every delivery the risk and problems related to the placenta increase.
Q. Can I get pregnant 3 months after C-section?
A: It is advised to wait for atleast 6 months before planning for the next pregnancy and some doctors even suggest a waiting period of 12-18 months, to let the body heal completely and be prepared for the next baby.
Q. What is the best position to sleep after a C-section?
A: Back sleeping is the most recommended sleeping position after a C-section as it won't put any pressure on the wounds.