Debunking The Terrors Of A C-Section
Let’s Talk About Delivery and C-Sections: A Little History
In the good old days, there was a lack of proper care during pregnancy which resulted in the death of many both mothers and the newborns. As untrained midwives were conducting deliveries there was a lot of infections and problems with the uterus. However, the same scenario persisted when cesarean section started. This was because the conditions in those days were not fully aseptic. According to Wikipedia first modern cesarean section was performed by German gynecologist Ferdinand Adolf Kehrer in 1881.
Normal deliveries are always better but due to many reasons, doctors have to do cesarean sections. In the caesarian section generally, spinal anesthesia is given which is comparatively safe for mother and baby. In spinal anesthesia, a special medicine is given through the gap between the vertebra in the spinal cord due to which the lower part of the body becomes numb. The operation is thereafter performed and during the whole procedure the patient can talk and see the baby as soon as it is delivered. A small cut is given in the lower part of the abdomen, the cut is given horizontally and is hardly visible when costumes like swimsuits are worn. With the modern-day sutures (thread with which stitching is done) and good aseptic measures, the cut is hardly visible and gives a good cosmetic effect.
Why Might You Need A C-Section
- If the baby is in an abnormal position like upside down meaning that the buttocks or the legs are the presenting part (breech) or the hand or shoulder is the presenting part. A breech delivery can take place normally but sometimes the baby’s head can get stuck up which can cause problems to the baby. Discuss with your doctor about both options.
- If the placenta (an organ which supplies blood and food to the baby) can be the presenting part. This can cause a lot of bleeding if normal delivery takes place.
- If the blood pressure of the patient becomes very high the patient may throw fits (eclampsia). If such a condition is anticipated or happens cesarean section might have to be done and managed well. This ensures healthy life.
- If during delivery the head is big, and the birth canal is narrow the baby might not come down, cesarean section is the only option left.
- If the baby’s heartbeat starts fluctuating or the baby passes stool in the uterus, the baby might be at risk and an emergency caesarian might have to be done.
A Few Tips
The chances of cesarean section delivery are fifteen to twenty percent in different centers. In modern fully equipped centers the complication rate is extremely low. The patient starts with liquids as early as 6-8 hours after the operation and starts standing within 12 hours. The doctor will try the level best to do a normal delivery but at times a cesarean section is indicated it has to be done.
Discuss in detail with your treating doctor. When a woman conceives, there will be an increase in the production of certain hormones naturally to bring about a natural increase in the size of belly to provide the right kind of cushioning to the fetus to grow. From the moment, the childbirth occurs, again with some hormonal changes the stomach gets back to its pre-pregnancy size.
Recovery
Generally, it will take around 4 weeks for the uterus to get back to its normal size. When a woman finds that this is not happening and her tummy continues to be the same size as it was around her 5 to 6 months pregnancy stage even after cesarean delivery, she will be looking to reduce belly easily. Here, the important point to remember is that patience is the key. The body took 9 months to expand the muscles and increase the size for accommodating the baby safely, so it might take even longer to tighten up again.
Until Next Time,
Amanda Maxwell