Sometimes it’s not possible for a woman to give birth naturally via the vagina so a C-section has to be done. This procedure involves delivering the baby via surgical incisions made in the lower abdomen and the uterus. Even with the right mental preparation, it’s sometimes not fully possible for expectant moms to grasp what happens in the operating room. So, outlined below are 7 things which you should expect when having a C-section.
1. Having Your Arms Strapped Down
You don’t want to encounter a scary surprise by finding your arm strapped down on the table. Well, this is a common and standard practice in the US. During C-section, the patient on the operating table will have their arms strapped down while they are awake and under epidural or spinal block. This helps to limit movements and ensure that they are secure while on the operating table.
2. It Is A Major Surgery
Child delivery isn’t easy and that’s why C-section is classified as a major surgery. It’s a procedure that’s associated with various carrier risks. The baby may have breathing problems or experience surgical injury. The mom, on the other hand, may end up with uterine infections, blood clots, wound infection, reactions to anesthesia, or postpartum hemorrhage.
Furthermore, this procedure requires the surgeons to make around a six-inch long incision through the lower abdomen and uterus in order to remove the baby. All these factors make it a major surgery that requires the right preparation.
3. There Will Be A Scar
C-section involves an incision, so there will definitely be a scar. However, the type of scar you will have depends on the type of abdominal incision which will be used. The most common one is the horizontal incision (bikini incision). It’s normally made a few inches above the pubic hair. A horizontal incision is more appealing and less visible once the scar has healed. Additionally, it also results in reduced chances of over bleeding. This type of scar also makes subsequent C-section or vaginal births less risky. Note that surgeons may sometimes do vertical incisions although its not common.
4. The Operating Room May Be Cold and Uninviting
One thing that most women are not usually prepared for is the cold and uninviting operating room. You might even end up shaking. Generally, these rooms are kept slightly colder so that nurses and doctors may feel comfortable. C-section is a demanding surgery that requires full focus and attention of the doctors. The increased level of stress usually causes an increase in body temperature.
However, note that the operating room isn’t freezing cold because it’s harmful for the patient’s body temperature to drop significantly.
5. Only One Person Can Accompany You Into The Operating Room
After you have been gowned up, you will be taken to theater. Most hospitals have the one-person policy for support. So either your partner or any other close family member will be in the theater. The support person will be required to wear a mask and a gown before they are allowed to enter the operating room.
Note: the support person will be right by your side during the whole process. They will also be able to see the baby first.
6. You Do Not Get To Watch The Procedure
It is not possible for you to watch this procedure. First of all, you will be under general anesthesia. Secondly, you will have an IV inserted with drugs and fluids to reduce chances of low blood pressure. After that, you will be given a spinal block or epidural which makes the lower half of the body numb. Lastly, a screen will have to be raised to prevent you from seeing the surgery. With all these factors, it is not possible for you to watch the section-procedure. However, the screen can be lowered when your baby is being born so that you can have a glimpse.
7. It Is Still A Magical Experience When You Get To Meet Your Baby
Nothing beats the emotional feeling of meeting your bundle of joy for the first time. It’s a magical experience that’s filled with tears and laughter. Even with C-section, this feeling still remains the same. The first encounter between mom and baby establishes the onset of a long-lasting maternal bond which can’t be broken.