Life as a doctor is full of interesting incidents. A few days ago there was a woman who was in labor and while we were monitoring her progress it was noticed that the baby was in some mild distress and a decision was made to deliver the baby via caesarean section. As soon as the woman was informed she started weeping and wailing because she wanted to deliver like the “Hebrew women”
Now for those who are not very familiar with the “hebrew women” reference (like me, i had to ask google) it is said that the Hebrew women were so strong that they used to deliver their babies so quickly that they didn’t even need the help of midwives. So basically before the midwives arrived, the baby would already be out.
Now i have no idea what the biblical times were like and i’m not here to dispute those reports, however even though i have only experienced labor and delivery as an onlooker, i can definitely tell you it’s no walk in the park.
For some women, labor can last up to 18 hours! Imagine periodic waves of pain that can last up to a minute coming at undetermined intervals for hours. As painful as this is for the mother, The baby is also under stress and this stress can even be fatal.
Therefore in certain cases, the only way to save both the mother and the baby is to have a caesarean section.
So the aim of this post is to help anyone reading this to understand what exactly a “C-section” is and why it may be necessary in some cases.
If you’re pregnant, knowing what to expect during a C-section — both during the procedure and afterward — can help you prepare.
A Cesarean section (C-section) is surgery to deliver a baby. A cut is made on the abdomen and then the uterus, and the baby is taken out. Some C-sections are planned (elective), but many are done when unexpected problems happen during delivery (emergency).
The surgery is relatively safe for mother and baby. Still, it is major surgery and carries risks.
Sometimes a C-section is safer for the mother or baby than is a vaginal delivery. Situations that may call for a C-Section include;
Your labor isn’t progressing. Stalled labor is one of the most common reasons for a C-section. Perhaps your cervix isn’t opening enough despite strong contractions over several hours — or the baby’s head is too big to pass through your birth canal.
Your baby isn’t getting enough oxygen. If your health care provider is concerned about your baby’s oxygen supply or changes in your baby’s heartbeat, a C-section might be the best option.
Your baby or babies are in an abnormal position. A C-section might be the safest way to deliver the baby if his or her feet or buttocks enter the birth canal first (breech) or the baby is positioned side or shoulder first (transverse). When you’re carrying multiple babies, it’s common for one or more of the babies to be in an abnormal position.
You’re carrying multiples. A C-section might be needed if the babies are being born early or if there are other problems.
There’s a problem with your placenta. If the placenta covers the opening of your cervix (placenta previa), C-section might be the safest way to deliver the baby.
There’s a problem with the umbilical cord. A C-section might be recommended if a loop of umbilical cord slips through your cervix ahead of your baby or if the cord is compressed by the uterus during contractions.
You have a health concern. A C-section might be recommended if you have health conditions, such as complex heart problems, high blood pressure requiring urgent delivery or an infection that could be passed to your baby during vaginal delivery — such as genital herpes or HIV.
Mechanical obstruction. You might need a C-section if you have a large fibroid obstructing the birth canal, a severely displaced pelvic fracture or your baby has severe hydrocephalus, a condition that can cause the head to be unusually large.
You’ve had a previous C-section. Depending on the type of uterine incision and other factors, it’s often possible to attempt a vaginal birth after a previous C-section. In some cases, however, your health care provider might recommend a repeat C-section.
Some women request C-sections with their first babies — to avoid labor or the possible complications of vaginal birth or to take advantage of the convenience of a planned delivery. However, this is discouraged if you plan on having several children. Women who have multiple C-sections are at increased risk of placenta problems as well as heavy bleeding, which might require a hysterectomy. If you’re considering a planned C-section for your first delivery, work with your health care provider to make the best decision for you and your baby
It also takes longer to recover from a C-section than from vaginal birth. It can raise the risk of having difficulties with future pregnancies. Some women may have problems attempting a vaginal birth later. Still, many women are able to have a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC).
Hopefully this post has helped make things a little clearer concerning this surgical procedure such that if for any reason your doctor recommends a Caesarean section, you’re less likely to answer with “it’s not my portion”.
