C-section |
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Normal Anatomy  In the final stages of pregnancy, the fetus is positioned head down in the uterus. Indications  A C-section delivery is performed when a vaginal birth is not possible or is not safe for the mother or child. Some of the main reasons for C-section delivery instead of vaginal delivery include the following:
When there is danger to the mother (maternal distress):
Incision  An incision is made across the abdomen just above the pubic area. Procedure  A C-section delivery is performed when a vaginal birth is not possible or is not safe for the mother or child. Surgery is usually done while the woman is awake but pain-free from the chest to the legs (epidural or spinal anesthesia). The uterus is opened, the amniotic fluid is drained off, and the baby is delivered. The babys mouth and nose are cleaned of fluids and the umbilical cord is clamped and cut. The baby is handed to the pediatrician or nurse who will make sure that he is breathing well. The mother is awake and she can hear and see her baby. Due to enhanced screening tools that allow the physician to more accurately assess the safety of vaginal delivery for the mother and the baby, C-sections have become fairly common (up to 20% of all births in the U.S.). Some obstetricians believe that C-section is the safest way to deliver certain babies (breech presentation, repeat C-section, late-in-life pregnancies, for example). Aftercare  Most mothers and infants recover well, with few problems. The average hospital stay is 2 to 4 days. Recovery takes longer than it would from a natural birth. Walking is encouraged the day of surgery to speed recovery. Pain can be managed with oral medications. |
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Review Date: 6/25/2001 Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Medical Illustration Team |
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