Cesarean section: Procedure

Preparing for an operation

Most cesarean sections are performed using epidural or spinal anesthesia. Only in emergency cases, when these types of anesthesia can not be used, general anesthesia is used (the patient is unconscious during the operation).

Preparation for surgery involves fastening the patient's hands to the table for safety reasons. In addition, a special curtain is stretched in the chest area. Place a dropper and simultaneously insert a catheter to drain urine during and after surgery. The area of the pubis is shaved, and then, together with the stomach, it is treated with an antiseptic solution. The incision site is covered with a sticky film for greater protection of the operated area.

Before, during and after the operation, blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen levels in the blood are monitored. The patient is also given a dose of antibiotics to avoid the inflammatory process after childbirth.

Cesarean delivery and childbirth

When anesthesia begins to act, the doctor makes a cut in the lower abdomen and uterus. You can feel the pressure while extracting the baby. After this, the doctor removes the placenta and applies a suture. After the operation, you will be transferred to a postoperative ward where you will be under direct supervision of nurses and doctors for 1-4 hours. You will be explained in detail what you need to do to restore it as soon as possible.

Cesarean section: Who can perform the operation

Cesarean section is performed by a physician with the appropriate qualifications, namely:

• surgeon
• family doctor with caesarean section
• perinatologist

Cesarean section: Indications

Caesarean section is carried out according to the schedule (in advance planned) or in emergency cases when it comes to the health of the mother and child.

The planned cesarean section

Caesarean section is planned in advance with medical indications, namely:

• The fetus is in the wrong position (including breech presentation).
• Poor blood circulation in the placenta.
• Risk factors and the impossibility of giving birth in the vaginal way.
• The big weight of a fruit (4.5 kg and more).
• Diseases of the mother, which can worsen during labor (for example, heart disease).
• The placenta blocks the cervical canal.
• Open wounds of genital herpes in the prenatal period (threat of transmission of the disease to the child).
• HIV, which can be transmitted during childbirth.
• Multiparty. The direction and cut of the seam depends on the position of the fruit. Especially cesarean section is done in case of multiple birth, if:
  • the twins are in the same amniotic membrane (risk of weaving the umbilical cord);
  • The birth of the triplets or Siamese twins is expected;
  • the uterus is stretched and slightly contracted (risk of prolonged and severe labor);
  • the twins are located wrong and too large.

Women who previously had a cesarean section also often plan a repeat surgical intervention. Indications for a re-cesarean section include:

• a clinically narrow pelvis (mismatch of the size of the pelvis of the mother to the size of the fetal head);
• factors that increase the risk of divergence of sutures on the uterus during childbirth (vertical incision, the presence of 3 or more scars on the uterus, the birth of triplets or more, the weight of the fruit 4.5 kg and more);
• the lack of the possibility of constant medical supervision during attempts of vaginal delivery or the necessary equipment.

Cesarean section in emergency situations

Sometimes caesarean section is not planned, but done after the onset of labor. Medical indications of a caesarean section in an emergency:

• distress syndrome of the fetus;
• premature placental abruption;
• prolapse of the umbilical cord;
• weakness of labor activity;
• termination of labor activity;
• mismatch of the size of the pelvis of the mother to the size of the fetal head.

[1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7],