Giving birth by caesarean section: progress and recovery

A caesarean section is a surgical procedure to deliver a baby through the abdominal wall when a safe vaginal birth is not possible. A caesarean section can be planned in advance or sometimes the gynecologist decides to perform a caesarean section during labor. It has more risks than a vaginal birth and the recovery period is longer.

Also read: Contractions: the different types and how to recognize them

Planned caesarean section

A planned caesarean section can be chosen if a normal delivery is not possible or is dangerous for mother and child. For example, if the baby is lying transversely or if the placenta is in front of the exit of the uterus.

In addition, a cesarean section may be beneficial if you are at risk of becoming incontinent of feces or if your baby has an abnormality that makes a vaginal birth more difficult.

It is not always clear whether a caesarean section is the right choice or not, for example when the baby is in a breech position or if you have had a caesarean section before. In that case, discuss the pros and cons of a caesarean section with your gynaecologist.

Also read: Bowel problems after childbirth: hemorrhoids, constipation or unwanted discharge

Emergency cesarean section

Sometimes it only becomes apparent during labor that an emergency caesarean section is necessary: ​​during dilation, if there is a chance of oxygen deficiency in the baby. Also when the baby's head is not deep enough during pushing, a caesarean section is better.

Also read: Everything you need to know about vaginal seeding

Natural caesarean section (gentle sectio)

With a gentle section, the caesarean section is a little more baby and parent friendly. For example, care can be taken to:

• a higher temperature in the operating room
• background music of your choice
• a window in the cloth so you can see how your baby comes out of your belly. The cloth can also be lowered.
• a slightly longer waiting time for the umbilical cord to be cut, possibly by your partner
• longer skin-to-skin contact, which is not only better for mother and baby, but also helps breastfeeding to get started faster.

Discuss in advance with your gynaecologist or at the maternity ward what is possible.

Also read: The benefits of a gentle sectio or natural caesarean section

Planned caesarean section process

If the caesarean section is planned, you must go to the hospital on an empty stomach at the appointed time. Your partner will be prepared and can stay with you in the operating room afterwards.

You will be given a surgical gown and an IV with anti-nausea medication. The anesthetist will then give you an epidural. For this, you will have to sit on the operating table with your back bent. It feels unpleasant, but is usually not very painful and does not last very long. Sometimes, however, someone has to be put under general anesthesia, but that is an exception. When the anesthesia starts to work, you will be given a bladder catheter. During the procedure, you will feel them 'pulling' on your stomach, but you will not feel any pain. There is a kind of cloth hanging above your waist, so you cannot see your stomach yourself.

After 10 to 15 minutes, the baby is born. He or she is examined by a pediatrician and placed on the chest (of the partner) for skin-to-skin contact. Ideally, if you want to breastfeed, you will now put your baby to the breast for the first time. In the meantime, the gynecologist will finish the caesarean section by re-stitching the different layers that have been cut. This will take about 30 to 45 minutes. After the midwife has given you some more care, you will move to the maternity ward.

Risks

The chance of complications is slightly higher with a caesarean section than with a vaginal birth. Possible risks are:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• A blood clot can break off and enter the bloodstream (embolism)
• Damage to the bowel or bladder
• Increased risk of chronic pelvic pain
• The uterine wall can weaken
• Placental abnormalities in future pregnancies
• Injury to the fetus

Also read: Cesarean section for non-medical reasons: consequences for mother and child

Recovery

Recovery from a caesarean section is more difficult than from a vaginal birth. The catheter may be removed after 24 hours, the drip after 24 to 48 hours. You may stand up for the first time after 24 hours, but you will stay in the hospital for at least 2 to 3 days. A midwife or nurse can come to your home around the 6th day to remove any stitches.

It is very important that you take it easy, so that all the incisions can heal nicely. Lifting heavy objects (more than 5 kg) is strongly discouraged, and you should also not use your rectus abdominis muscles for the first few weeks. Count on about 6 weeks before you can resume your normal activities. From then on, you can start with postnatal physiotherapy to strengthen your body again.

Sources:
https://www.uza.be
https://www.uzleuven.be
https://www.thuisarts.nl
https://my.clevelandclinic.org