Many expecting mothers know by now that baby will come whenever baby sees fit! No matter how many times you drink raspberry tea, jog across the lawn, or attempt digesting castor oil, your baby will make an appearance when your body and baby are physically ready.
However, the caveat to that is if they are pre-planned to come into the world through c-section. C-sections get a bad rep when it comes to the best way to give birth. But what many don’t realize, is that it is one of the safest, fastest methods and is often the only choice when your baby or yourself is in distress.
Generally, many all-natural or fit mamas, go in with their mind set on giving an all-natural birth – that is until something doesn’t go right. And that’s when emergency c-sections come into play.
It’s important to always be prepared for anything when it comes to giving birth. Need to know what you may be facing if an emergency happens?
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Here’s what you need to know about c-sections, emergency or scheduled:
Emergency C-Section
A c-section is the surgical delivery of a baby through the mother’s abdomen. If labor has already begun, and complications begin, then an emergency c-section is performed.
Complications can include:
-Problems with the placenta or umbilical cord
-Baby’s sudden heart rate change (fetal distress)
-Baby appears to be too big to fit through the birth canal
-Labor is taking too long or not progressing as it should
-Mother is exhausted or some other maternal health concern emerges during labor
Emergency or scheduled c-sections also requires some form of anesthesia. If there is enough time, either an epidural or spinal anesthesia can be used, allowing you to be awake during the procedure. If your baby needs to be born quickly, it is likely that general anesthesia will be used, which means you will be asleep and will not see your baby when they are first born.
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Before the surgery begins, you can expect that:
-A catheter will be inserted into your bladder so that it remains empty
-A screen will be placed around your belly so you are not able to see your doctor making the incision
-You may have a drip in your arm and an oxygen mask over your nose and mouth
-Your abdomen will be cleaned with a disinfectant and any hair that is likely to get in the way will be shaved off
Once the anesthesia takes hold, your doctor will make two incisions: one through the abdomen and another through the uterus itself. During the procedure, you will probably feel some pressure and tugging as your baby is eased out of the uterus. Once born, the baby’s mouth and nose will be suctioned and the umbilical cord cut.
Your placenta will be removed and shortly after, you'll be stitched up. Once baby has been checked over, and if you are awake, you can be introduced.
Scheduled C-Section
A scheduled c-section is a surgical delivery of a baby through the mother’s abdomen that is planned in advance if you or your baby has a condition that would make a vaginal delivery unsafe.
You will have the choice between epidural or regional anesthesia through a spinal block. This will only numb you from the stomach down and allow you to still be awake during your baby’s birth.
All of the same formalities of the surgery are the same as an emergency c-section, however, you will be able to see your baby initially, do skin-to-skin, and even breastfeed immediately.
General Cesarean Risks
C-sections are generally considered safe, but with any type of surgery there are certain risks and complications to be aware of, such as:
-Excessive bleeding
-Infections
-Allergic reaction to medications
-Blood clots
-Possible injury to the mother’s internal organs
-Possible injury to the baby
Make sure to report to a healthcare provider any symptoms that could suggest infection or other complications.
Tia Muhammad, BS, is an award-winning freelance content & media creative, copywriter, blogger, digital designer, and marketing consultant. She owns the boutique content and digital media company, jackieGLDN|studio.
