CESAREAN PROCEDURE: What To Expect

Basic overview of the procedure

After having 2 cesareans with my boys, i thought i would explain how the process works for a Planned Cesarean for any mothers that are wondering what to expect.

Advantages

* To get to have your baby earlier (Usually about a week before your due date).
* The procedure is straight forward and should have no complications.
* You feel no general or labour pain during the procedure due to anaesthetics, epidural injection given etc.

Disadvantages:

* The pain you will incur afterwards for several days after.
* Not being able to be that active and mobile with your baby due to the pain.
* The Scar that is left over (although it is below your bikini line, so can be covered)
* It is only recommended you can have a maximum of 3 cesareans due to health risks.

Before the Procedure:

* You will be asked to remove any jewelry (wedding ring can be taped over), braces, false teeth, contact lenses, make up nail varnish. This is for several reasons including interfering with surgery equipment, monitoring your skin tone.

* A drip is inserted into your arm to give you fluids, and helps give you any drugs you may need later.

* A Catheter is inserted into your bladder to assist you with emptying your bladder.

* The area that is to be cut will be shaved and cleaned with antiseptic.

* Blood thinning injections will be given or special white stockings to wear, to reduce the risk of blood clots in your legs.

* A blood pressure monitor is attached to your arm.

* Electrodes are put on your chest area to monitor your heart rate.

* An epidural injection will be given in your back (quite sharp when going in, but only lasts for a couple of seconds if that), as well as a special anaesthetic you drink that will numb your lower body area so you wont feel any pain.

* A screen is put by your chest so you are not able to see the operation in case it freaks you out! However your birthing partner can watch if they are brave enough!

Can my partner/birthing partner by present?

Yes. They will be asked to put on a gown, wear a mask, a hat, and can sit beside you.

Where is the procedure carried out?

This will be in theatre, and there will be probably 6 or more people in the room that all play a part in assisting with the procedure.

During the Procedure:

* To start your surgeon will make a horizontal cut across your bikini line area. Layers of tissue and muscle are then opened up to create an area to get to your uterus, and so your baby to come out in comfortably.

* If there is alot of fluid you might hear this whooshing noise coming through the opening. You will probably sense a tugging and/or pressing sensation too when your surgeon is making the opening and gaining access. This will be painless as your lower body is numbed.

* Your body might start shaking/shivering uncontrollably. This is just nerves or a reaction to the painkillers. It will pass by in about an hour or so.

* Your baby is then lifted out and nurses will cut the cord, make sure your baby is crying, weigh him and make sure all is ok. Then the baby is passed onto yourself or the father.

Once started the procedure is really quick (about 10 mins). It's the preparation and the making do afterwards that takes up the time really.

After the Procedure:

* Whilst you bond with your baby surgeons will remove the placenta fro your uterus , then begin stitching you up. These are usually disolveable or be a removable stitch secured with pins on each end that can be removed in a few days (Rarely stapling is used in these times).

* When you are closed up, you are moved to a rest room for about where you can feed your baby and nurses can check to see if all is well before they move you to a ward.

How Long will it take to recover?

You will stay in hospital for 2-4 days depending on how well you and your baby are progressing. You will need alot of help with your baby at first until the numbness wears off in a few hours, as you wont be able to move and have to be lifted onto your bed.

Alot of pain will be felt in your stomach and bikini area as you recover. The first week especially. You will be given pain relief to help with this. Full recovery usually takes about 6 weeks, but you should be able to do very light duties after the first week.

To sleep at night i would recommend propping up your pillows and take to a sitting up position in bed to go to sleep. I experienced that if i lay down i couldn't get up myself without help because it was too painful.

Why have a planned Cesarean?

This may be if you have had a cesarean previously and are concerned your scar might re-open in normal labour (rare), or there are seen to be health risks for you or the baby that have happened during your pregnancy, or it is felt that complications might occur if normal labour was to happen.

Concluding:

Alot of people may say that you have missed out not having a 'proper labour' but i wouldn't change anything. My first born i had an emergency Cesarean and with my 2nd i choose to have a Cesarean again instead of a normal birth for several reasons.

Ignore myths about not bonding with your baby if you don't have a natural birth. My boys are fine and healthy and we have a great bond.

I wish anyone reading this all the best in your birth. All the hassle and pain is worth it in the end.