What happens during the procedure?
First, you will be given a regional anesthetic followed by a catheter to drain urine from the bladder. Regional anesthetic is a medication that blocks the nerves to a part of the body - in this case, it is delivered into the space around the spinal cord. You are awake during the procedure. Sometimes, a general anesthetic is used.
Next, your doctor will cut through the lower abdomen into the uterus and remove the baby (you may feel some tugging). After the baby is removed, your doctor will suction fluids from their nose and mouth and then cut the umbilical cord.
Finally, the doctor removes the placenta. The doctor then closes the opening in the uterus with stitches that will dissolve over time. The abdomen will either be closed with stitches or staples. Staples are usually removed before you leave the hospital.
The entire cesarean section procedure takes between 30 and 45 minutes. Generally, the baby is born during the first 5 to 10 minutes, and your doctor will spend the rest of the time removing the placenta and closing the incision.
If your partner is present for the procedure, they will be asked to sit near your head. Your abdomen will be covered up to your shoulders.
There are two types of openings made in the uterus: horizontal and vertical.
A horizontal opening across the lower end of the uterus, called a low transverse incision, is more common. Many women can have a vaginal birth in the future after this type of cesarean. A low transverse scar applies to the uterus and most babies are born through this method, unless there are fibroids or other problems. The old adage "once a cesarean, always a cesarean" is no longer true.
Vertical openings are now reserved only for emergencies or special situations. A vertical opening is made if the baby needs to be delivered quickly. If a woman has this type of incision, she can still have a vaginal birth after a cesarean.
How should I prepare for this procedure?
If your cesarean section is planned, you may be told not to eat for 8 hours before the procedure. You may continue to drink clear liquids until 2 hours before the procedure. If your doctor has recommended different times, follow the timing recommended by your doctor.
If the procedure becomes necessary during labor, you may not have time to prepare.
Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any medication allergies and medical conditions that you may have.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether you need to stop taking any of your medications before the procedure.
What can I expect after the procedure?
Immediately following the procedure, you will be brought into the recovery room and observed while the anesthetic wears off. Afterwards you will be transferred to the maternity ward.
You will likely start to feel some pain in the hours following a cesarean. Your doctor may give you additional pain-relieving medication if necessary. Your catheter will likely be removed within 12 to 24 hours of surgery and after 24 hours, you will be encouraged to start walking around. You will likely spend three to five days in the hospital.
In the days and weeks following a cesarean section, it is important to avoid lifting anything heavier than your baby or engaging in physical activities, such as housework, in order to allow yourself to heal.