Will you have to have a cesarean section too? (Cesarean Delivery) Let's find out everything about this!

If you are a mother who is about to have a baby, you must have heard the word 'cesarean' often. Perhaps your doctor has told you that you will have to have a cesarean section. It is normal to feel a little scared and nervous when that happens. Questions like "Isn't it a big operation?", "Will it hurt me?", "Will it be bad for the baby?" probably come to mind. But don't worry. Today, we will find answers to all the questions you have about this cesarean section , that is, a C-section.

Simply put, what is a cesarean section?

A cesarean section is a surgical procedure in which a baby is delivered through a small incision in the abdomen and uterus, rather than through the mother's vagina. The number of cesarean sections performed today is slightly higher than in the past. Although some people may be wrong about this, the most important thing we need to understand is how many lives have been saved by this method today.

That doesn't mean everyone should have a cesarean section. There are some risks to a cesarean section compared to a vaginal delivery. That's why doctors always say that you should only have a cesarean section if there is a very urgent medical reason.

Why does a doctor decide to perform a cesarean section?

There are two types of cesarean sections. One is a planned cesarean . The other is an emergency cesarean . The reasons for both are different.

Reasons for having a planned cesarean section

Sometimes, even before the baby is born, your doctor decides that a cesarean section is the best option for you. There can be several reasons for this.

Why resort to an emergency cesarean section?

Sometimes, even though a normal delivery is expected, complications during labor necessitate an emergency cesarean section.

• Irregular heartbeat during labor. This means that the baby is experiencing some distress.
• A problem with the umbilical cord limits the amount of blood and oxygen the baby receives.
• Placental abruption .
• Cervical dilation stops or the baby stops descending for some other reason.

How does a planned cesarean section happen?

If you have a planned cesarean section, here's what you can expect.

1. Preparation: You will first be given medicine to dry up the secretions in your mouth and airways. You may also be given medicine to reduce stomach acid . Then your lower abdomen will be cleaned and, if necessary, hair will be removed.

2. Catheter and IV Line: A small tube (catheter) is inserted to keep the bladder empty. A small needle (IV line) is inserted into a vein in the arm to give saline and medications.

3. Anesthesia: Most often, the anesthesia is given to your spine. This is done using an epidural or spinal anesthesia. This numbs your lower back, but you are still conscious. General anesthesia is only given in emergencies.

4. The surgery begins: Your abdomen will be cleaned with antiseptic solution, and a drape will be placed over the area to be operated on. A screen will be placed so that you cannot see the surgery.

5. Incision: Once the anesthesia has taken effect, the doctor will make an incision through the skin of your abdomen and then through your uterus. This is usually a bikini cut, just below your bikini line. You will not feel any pain, but you may feel a slight pinching sensation.

6. Taking the baby out:The doctor will then carefully remove the baby. Sometimes, you may need to use forceps or a vacuum extractor. You will feel a slight pulling sensation at this point.

7. The first moment: As soon as the baby is taken out, his nose and mouth are cleaned by suctioning. The umbilical cord is cut and the placenta is removed. Then the baby is handed over to a nurse. She performs the Apgar test, which measures the baby's health.

8. Stitches: The doctor will stitch your uterus and abdomen. The stitches in the uterus dissolve inside your body. The skin stitches may be the type that will be removed after a few days, or they may be dissolvable stitches that are placed under the skin.

9. Recovery: After the surgery, you will be taken to a ``Recovery Room.'' There, your blood pressure and pulse will be monitored. As the anesthesia wears off, you will be given painkillers to control the pain.

What to expect after surgery?

The days after surgery are also very important.

• Getting out of bed: 6-8 hours after the surgery, the catheter will be removed and you will be asked to get out of bed and walk around. This may be a little difficult, but it will help you recover faster.
• Breastfeeding: If you plan to breastfeed your baby, the nurses will show you how to hold your baby in a way that doesn't put pressure on the wound. You can breastfeed while holding a pillow over the wound or sitting up.
• Food and drink: You will be given saline for a day or two. After that, you can gradually start eating liquids and regular food.
• Discharge from the hospital: You can usually go home from the hospital within 3-5 days. It will take about 4-6 weeks to fully resume normal activities.

Do you feel sad about having to have a cesarean section?

Many mothers hope to have a normal birth. When they are suddenly told they have to have a cesarean section, it is normal to feel sad and disappointed. Thoughts like, "Didn't I try hard enough?", "Am I a failure as a mother?" may come to mind.

Sometimes, when you change your mindset, this feeling goes away. You can think, "How wonderful it would be to be able to watch my baby come into this world without experiencing pain and in peace."

But if you continue to have this sadness, definitely talk about it with your husband, a family member, or your doctor . That will give you a lot of relief.