to view an animated version of this procedure.
In a cesarean birth (C-section), the baby is delivered through an incision in the mother's abdomen. In the United States, some estimates suggest almost half of all births are delivered by C-section.
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Cesarean birth is a surgery. There are some risks involved. The estimated risk of a woman dying after a cesarean birth is extremely small. The risk of death after a vaginal birth is even smaller. Your doctor will review potential problems like: InfectionBleedingDecreased bowel functionDamage to other organs in the abdomenLonger hospital stay and recovery timeBad reactions to anesthesia
Risk of additional surgeries, including
, bladder repair, or repeat C-sections with future pregnancies
Factors that may increase the risk of complications include: Prior cesarean birthPrior surgery of the uterusAbnormal placentaObesitySmoking
C-sections also have risks for babies. Babies born prematurely have more risks. The risk of death for premature babies delivered by elective C-section is very small. The risk of death for premature babies born vaginally is even smaller.
C-sections are often unplanned. If you have a scheduled C-section, you may be asked not to eat or drink after midnight before the procedure.
You may be given: General anesthesia—You will be asleep during the procedure.
Regional anesthesia such as epidural or
spinal block—An area of your body will be numb, but you will be awake.
Many women prefer regional anesthesia so that they can be awake to see their new baby.
Your doctor will make incisions in your abdominal skin and uterus.
After the incisions are made, the baby will be delivered. Your uterus will be closed with stitches that later dissolve on their own. Staples could also be used to close the abdomen.
Your baby will be examined. You may be able to hold your baby. It will depend on the condition of you and your baby.
Anesthesia prevents pain during the surgery. You may feel some pressure and tugging as the uterus is opened and the baby and placenta are removed. Pain and discomfort after the procedure can be managed with medications.
Very soon after birth, your baby may be placed on your chest. This skin-to-skin contact may lead to improved breastfeeding success.You may need help learning breastfeeding positions. The correct position will keep you from putting too much pressure on your incision.You may need medication to help with nausea or pain.You will likely experience some uterine cramping and pain.You may be on a clear liquid diet after surgery. You will advance to a normal diet as you are able.Your bowels will work more slowly than usual. Chewing gum may help speed the process of your bowel function returning to normal.You may be given special compression stockings. They will help to decrease the possibility of blood clots forming in your legs.You will be encouraged to walk very soon after surgery. You will be asked not to lift anything heavier than your baby.
For lung health, you may be asked to use an
and cough often. These steps will help you breathe deeply.
After any delivery, there will be moderate-to-heavy vaginal bleeding. You will need to use an absorbent sanitary napkin.
When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery: Avoid lifting anything heavier than your baby for the first weeks after surgery.Do not drive until your doctor says it is all right to do so.Ask your doctor when it is safe to shower, bathe, or soak in water.Delay having sexual intercourse or putting any objects in the vagina until you have had your 6-week check-up.Breastfeeding is encouraged.Consider joining a support group for new mothers. You can get encouragement and learn new parenting strategies.
You should heal quickly and completely after a C-section. Talk with your doctor about the type of incisions used during your procedure. It may play a role in decisions about future births.
It is important to monitor your recovery. Alert your doctor to any problems. If any of the following occur, call your doctor: Signs of infection, including fever and chillsExcessive bleeding, redness, swelling, increasing pain, or discharge from the incision sitePersistent nausea and/or vomitingPain that you cannot control with the medications you've been givenSwelling and/or pain in one or both legsCough, shortness of breath, or chest painJoint pain, fatigue, stiffness, rash, or other new symptomsLightheadedness faintnessHeavy vaginal bleedingFoul-smelling vaginal discharge
If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.
Cesarean birth. American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists website. Available at:
http://www.acog.org/~/media/For%20Patients/faq006.pdf?dmc=1&ts=20130719T1543190286. Accessed July 19, 2013.
Cesarean procedure. American Pregnancy Association website. Available at:
http://americanpregnancy.org/labor-and-birth/cesarean-procedure. Updated January 2013. Accessed July 19, 2013.
Cesarean section. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed. Updated July 16, 2013. Accessed July 19, 2013.
7/21/2009 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance.
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed: De Luca R, Boulvain M, et al. Incidence of early neonatal mortality and morbidity after late-preterm and term cesarean delivery.
10/23/2009 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance.
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed: Abd-El-Maeboud KH, Ibrahim MI, et al. Gum chewing stimulates early return of bowel motility after caesarean section.
DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance.
: Marín Gabriel M, Llana Martín I, et al. Randomized controlled trial of early skin-to-skin contact: Effects on the mother and the newborn.
6/2/2011 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance.
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed: Mills E, Eyawo O, et al. Smoking cessation reduces postoperative complications: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Am J Med.
3/11/2015 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance.
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed: Girsen AI, Osmundson SS, et al. Body mass index and operative times at cesarean delivery. Obstet Gynecol. 2014;124(4):684-689.
Last reviewed January 2015 by Andrea Chisholm, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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