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C-SECTION

Overview & Facts

Cesarean section (C-section) is a method of surgery to deliver a baby. The baby is taken out through the incisions of the mother’s abdomen and uterus. Some women undergo planned C-section but many are due to unexpected problems that arise during delivery time.

Reasons for a C-section may include health problems of the mother, the mother carrying more than one baby at a time, the baby’s health being in trouble, the size or position of the baby in the mother’s womb or there is no pulse of a baby detected.

Preferring surgery is much safe for mother and the baby.  But still, surgery carries risks. It also takes a long time to recover from a C-section unlike vaginal birth. It also has the risk of having difficulties in future pregnancies.

Types

Types of C-section are as follows:

  • Traditional Cesarean section
  • Lower uterine segment Cesarean section (LUCS)
  • Cesarean hysterectomy

Indications

A C-section may be done due to the following:

  • Cephalopelvic disproportion
  • Malpresentation – eg, breech, transverse lie
  • Multiple pregnancies
  • Severe hypertensive disease in pregnancy
  • Fetal conditions such as distress, iso-immunisation, very low birth weight
  • Failed induction of labour
  • Repeat caesarean section
  • Pelvic cyst or fibroid
  • Maternal infection (eg, herpes, HIV)

Risks of C- Section

It takes time to recover from a C-section rather than recovering from a vaginal birth. Unlike other types of surgery, C-sections carry some risks.

The risks of C-section include breathing problems, surgical injuries, inflammation and infection of the lining of the uterus, increased bleeding, body reactions due to anaesthesia and seizure.

Contact your health care provider if you experience:

  • Any signs of infection such as fever, severe pain in your abdomen, swelling and wet discharge at the incision site
  • Noticing a foul smell in your vaginal discharge and having painful urination
  • Heavy bleeding that is unusual and that soaks a sanitary napkin within an hour
  • Experiencing severe mood swings, loss of appetite, fatigue and depression

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