When do you have to go for an Emergency C-Section?

So you are preparing for a normal delivery, but your doctor tells you that they have to take you for an emergency C-section. You suddenly start to feel nervous and stressed as you had no idea you had to go for a C-section. Therefore, it is better to prepare yourself for the worst case scenario because not all deliveries are natural. Let’s find out more about C-section deliveries and the reason that a woman has to go for it.

What is C-Section?

C-section or Caesarean section is an emergency procedure for the delivery of a baby through a surgical incision. A woman is either put under anaesthesia or is given an epidural. Caesarian sections are sometimes scheduled in advance for women who have complications in their pregnancy. Many women who are scheduled for a natural vaginal delivery can also undergo a caesarean depending on their condition.

How is an Emergency Caesarean Section Different from a Scheduled One?

A planned C-section is the one that your doctor schedules to be done before you go into labor. This is usually because of a certain condition that has been found before the delivery date. Emergency C-section on the other hand is unplanned and is chosen after your labor. Some of the common scenarios for an emergency C-section are given below:

Your baby had developed a complication during pregnancy or labor and it is threatening you and your baby’s life. An emergency C-section is usually performed when the complication is severe and requires the baby to be born immediately.
The mother has developed a complication that is life threatening for the baby. This is usually the reason that doctors schedule an emergency C-section.
Your baby or you have developed a complication during pregnancy, and your lives are at stake.
Your labor is taking too long and is becoming more painful for you.
Your baby has developed any of these complications; uterine rupture, umbilical cord prolapses, abnormal fetal heart rate, or placental abruption.
The size of your baby is too large or you have more than one baby in your womb.
Your baby’s position is not accurate.
You have a large fibroid in your uterus which is blocking the exit.

Sometimes a caesarean is scheduled ahead of the delivery, but in most cases it isn’t. So, be prepared for any type of surprises, and if you have to go for an emergency C-section, stay calm and go with the flow.

Preparing for a Caesarean

Now that you have been told the news that you are going to have an emergency C-section delivery, you need to relax and let your obstetrician guide you. Don’t feel nervous because your partner can be right beside you for the entire procedure.

You will also meet up with an anesthesiologist, who will perform a check-up on you. This check-up is meant to review the different pain management options. You also have an option of going for an epidural, but if you cannot for some reason, you will be put under anesthesia.

An epidural is also known as a spinal block, which numbs the lower half of your body. This injection might make you feel certain sensations while the operation is taking place, but you will not feel any pain. Your urine will also be drained from your urethra with the help of a catheter. An IV is also started to provide your body with fluids and medication. Now, you will be taken to the operation theater for the C-section.

The Procedure of a C-Section

When the anesthesia is in full effect, an antiseptic is applied to your belly. Now, your doctor will make a small and horizontal incision right above your pubic bone. It will take a little while for the doctor to cut through the tissue and muscles covering the uterus. When the doctor is able to uncover the uterus, they will make another horizontal cut in the lower section.

The doctor will manually reach in and pull your baby out. The cord attached to the baby is then cut and your baby is free. This is the time that you will be able to get a first glimpse of your baby before it is taken away by a nurse. A pediatrician or a nurse will examine your baby and the doctor will begin stitching your belly.

Once the baby has been examined, the nurse will hand it over to your partner. This is the time that you can enjoy the joy of holding your baby for the first time.

Recovering after a C-Section

The doctor uses dissolvable stitches to close your uterus, so that they dissolve in the body. However, your skin might be closed with staples or stitches, which will require to be removed after your cut has completely healed. If the stitches on your skin were dissolvable, then they will not require a doctor’s help.

You will be transferred to a recovery room after the surgery, where your baby’s little crib will lie next to your bed. Your health and recovery status will be monitored by doctors for a few hours, and you will be given fluids through an IV. This is also a good time to hold your baby and form a bond with it. You can also start breastfeeding your new born during this time. You will intake medications and fluids through an IV until you are able to eat and drink on your own.

An emergency C-section might give chills to any woman who isn’t expecting it, but if you know how the procedure works, you will be able to remain calm and composed. Your obstetrician will be of great help throughout this process, and will make you feel comfortable. If you have been given the news that you will be going through an emergency caesarean, know that it is only for you and your baby’s betterment. When you see your little angel for the first time, you will forget about all your worries and all you will do is smile out of joy.