A cesarean section, also known as a C-section, is a medical procedure used to remove a baby through an incision in a pregnant woman's abdomen and uterus instead of a normal delivery. A C-section is an emergency measure taken when a normal birth process cannot be performed for various reasons, both due to the condition of the mother and the baby. It is not infrequent that pregnant women also want to give birth via the operation process. Therefore, here are some things you need to know about cesarean delivery.
What Conditions Require a C-Section?
Medical personnel will recommend pregnant women to perform the delivery by Caesarean section if they meet the following conditions:
- The birthing process does not proceed normally
This is the most common reason for a pregnant woman to have a C-section. Usually caused by prolonged stage one (opening the cervix for too long) and stage two (the process of pushing the baby for too long while the cervix is fully open) of the delivery process.
- The baby is in a vulnerable state
Concern about changes in the baby's heart rate may lead to a cesarean delivery being the safest way.
- The baby is in an irregular position
A cesarean section is the safest choice if the baby is not head down, but legs or shoulders first to the cervix.
- The birth of twins
A cesarean section may be necessary if a woman is carrying more than one baby or twins.
- Placental Previa
A condition where there is a problem with the placenta or placenta that can block the passage of the baby.
- There's a blockage in the baby's passageway
The blockage in question may be in the form of fibroids or pelvic bones that narrow the exit pathway.
- There are health issues in pregnant women
Some examples are heart or brain issues, which make normal delivery impossible.
- Women who have had a C-section in previous pregnancies
While it is possible to have a normal delivery, doctors will usually recommend women who have had a previous cesarean delivery have it again at the next delivery.
What should be prepared for a cesarean section?
If you are planning to have a C-section, talk to an anesthesiologist first about your medical history. This is to avoid the negative effects that can occur as a result of the anesthesia during the C-section. The doctor will also suggest taking a blood test first to obtain information about the blood type and levels of the major components of red blood cells. The results of this test will be very helpful if there are problems that arise during a C-section delivery that requires blood transfusions.
For pregnant women who are planning to give birth normally, there is nothing wrong with discussing the possibility of a C-section with the doctor as a first step to prepare for the worst. However, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, a C-section is not a good option for women who plan to have many children in the future. Because the more C-sections, the greater the chance of problems in future pregnancies.
What are the risks of a cesarean section?
Although it is an emergency procedure, cesarean delivery also has risks that should be known as follows:
- Babies may have trouble breathing too quickly (transient tachypnea) for some time after birth.
- Babies can be born with scars on the skin.
- The mother can get an infection after a cesarean section.
- The mother may bleed heavily during or after the C-section.
- Mothers may experience blood clots forming around the pelvis down to the feet.
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Source:
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2022). C-section. Mayo Clinic. [online]. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/c-section/about/pac-20393655