C-Section: Definition, Procedures and Risks

July 31, 2023By Nona Woman

Cesarean section is an alternative method of delivery when the mother's condition makes it impossible to give birth to a baby normally through the vagina. In addition, a cesarean section is also recommended for mothers who experience complications during pregnancy.

The operation process begins by giving spinal anesthesia to the mother. This anesthetic is injected in the spinal area to relieve pain from the waist to the feet. Although this operation is effective in treating medical problems, it should be remembered that recovery after a C-section requires more time than a normal delivery.

Come on, let's look at the following review to understand more about the cesarean section procedure.

What is a Cesarean Section?

Cesarean section is the process of giving birth to a baby which is carried out surgically on the abdomen and mother's uterus, precisely above the pubic bone. Usually, the choice to do a cesarean section is caused by the condition of the mother who is at risk if she gives birth normally, or because of the mother's desire to give birth at a certain time.

Compared to normal delivery, cesarean section requires a longer recovery time. The majority of new cesarean section patients can go home after 3-5 days of treatment at the hospital until the doctor confirms that the mother's condition is stable.

However, now many hospitals are already using the cesarean section method called ERACS (Enhanced Recovery After Cesarean Surgery) which offers various advantages. Such as reducing pain and speeding up the recovery process. Thus, this procedure becomes more comfortable and interactive for mothers who undergo cesarean sections.

Cesarean Section Procedure

Before the operation is carried out, the patient will be asked to wear a special robe provided by the hospital. After that, the patient will be asked to lie on his back while the doctor inserts a catheter to drain urine during the surgical procedure.

Next, the doctor will inject spinal anesthetic. In some cases, the doctor may give general anesthesia so that the patient sleeps well during the operation. The medical officer will place a barrier over the patient's stomach so that the patient remains calm and does not see the stages of the operation being carried out by the doctor.

After the anesthetic begins to work, the steps taken by the doctor in a cesarean section include:

Make an incision about 10–20 cm below the navel, then cut through the abdominal linings until they reach the uterus.
Remove the baby through the incision, this process generally takes about 5-10 minutes.
Put the baby on the mother's chest or stomach, and aim to stimulate the baby to find the mother's nipple and suckle.
Remove the placenta and give injections of the hormone oxytocin to stimulate uterine contractions so that bleeding can stop immediately.
Close the incision with stitches.

What Are the Risks of a C-section?

Cesarean section, although it has certain benefits, also causes side effects that are important to know for both mother and child.

1. Impact on Mothers

It is important for the mother to understand the possible consequences after this operation. Some of the impacts to note include:

Longer recovery and slower healing process.
Risk of infection and postoperative complications.
Difficulty in mobility and daily activities.
Possible surgical scars that can form.
Risk of attachment (adhesion) in the next operation.
The psychological and emotional impact of not having a normal birth.
Risk of complications from anesthesia.

2. Impact on Babies

The normal delivery process plays a role in transferring immunity from mother to baby. During delivery, the baby receives a colony of useful bacteria from the mother to strengthen the immune system. These things cannot be experienced by babies born by cesarean section.

The following are the effects of cesarean birth on the baby's health:

Risk of delaying respiratory adaptation.
Delay in spending meconium (baby feces).
Possible breastfeeding difficulties at first.
Risk of physical injury during surgical procedures.
Potential risk of postoperative infection.
Delays early bonding with mother.
It's possible that the baby has a slightly higher risk of developing allergies or autoimmune diseases.

It is important to know all this information about c-sections before you make a decision. If you are considering this medical procedure, be sure to consult with medical personnel at the maternity hospital who can provide the best guidance and care for you and your baby.

References: