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A caesarean section (c-section or ‘caesarean’) is a surgical procedure in which a baby is born through an incision (cut) made in the mother’s abdominal wall and the wall of the uterus (womb). Your baby will need to be born by caesarean section if there are problems that prevent the baby being born by a normal vaginal birth. A caesarean section may be planned (elective) if there are signs that a vaginal birth is risky, or unplanned (emergency) if there are problems during labour. If you have no serious problems with your pregnancy or labour, a vaginal birth is usually the safest way for your baby to be born. Most women have vaginal births (about 2 in every 3 births). You have a right to be involved in and to make decisions about your care. A caesarean can only be performed if you give your written permission. Your partner or next of kin can give written permission if you are not able to. Reasons for a planned caesarean sectionThere are several reasons why you and your obstetrician may decide on a planned (elective) caesarean birth. These include:
Not all women have or need to have caesareans in these circumstances. The decision will be based on a combination of your particular situation and, in some cases, your preferences. Reasons for an unplanned caesarean sectionSome of the reasons for an unplanned (emergency) caesarean birth include:
Before you have a caesarean section, talk to your doctor or obstetrician about:
Some hospitals are providing ‘enhanced recovery’ strategies for planned caesarean (called ERAC or ERAS) to help women manage their pain better, eat and drink earlier, move around earlier, care for their baby more readily and go home earlier. You will be informed at the time of booking the caesarean if your hospital is providing this type of care. Anaesthetic for a caesarean sectionThere are 3 types of anaesthetic you may be given so that you do not feel any pain during your operation: They include:
The Royal Women’s Hospital (The Women’s) has a fact sheet called Regional anaesthesia (spinal or epidural) for caesarean which compares the types of anaesthetics used for a caesarean section. Types of caesarean sectionsCaesarean sections differ in terms of where the cuts (incisions) are made to the uterus. After your caesarean, ask the obstetrician what kinds of cuts were made. This will be useful information when you are making decisions about future births. The 2 types of cuts that can be used when you have a caesarean section are:
Preparing for a caesarean sectionTo prepare for your caesarean section:
During a caesarean sectionThe actual operation usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes. It will involve:
After a caesarean sectionA number of things will occur after you have a caesarean section, including:
Special care for your baby after a caesarean sectionSome babies born by caesarean are more likely to have breathing problems and be admitted to the special care nursery for a period of time (although they are usually ready to go home when you are). If you have no complications that mean your baby needs to be born early, a planned caesarean should be carried out around 39 weeks of pregnancy. If your baby does need to be born earlier, your doctor may recommend that you have an injection to reduce the risk of breathing problems (steroids). If your baby is premature or unwell, they may also need to go to the special care nursery. Your partner or support person can usually go with the baby. When you are well enough, and as soon as it is possible, the midwife or nurse will help you to see your baby. The midwives or nurses can help you with expressing breastmilk for your baby. Risks and complications of a caesarean sectionIn Australia, a caesarean section is a common and relatively safe surgical procedure, but it is still major surgery. As with all surgical procedures, there are risks for both you and your baby. Some of the more common risks and complications include:
Some women develop serious problems after a caesarean section. You should always talk with your midwife or doctor about any problems you are experiencing, so they can assess whether or not it is serious and provide you with the treatment you need. Some problems you should look out for include:
First 6 weeks after a caesarean sectionAfter a caesarean section, women usually stay in hospital between 2 to 5 days. This can vary between hospitals or if there are problems with your recovery. Postnatal care in the home by a midwife is available to all women who birth in a public hospital. Some hospitals have a ‘hospital in the home’ option for women who have a planned caesarean and who go home early (the day after the birth). Ask the nurse or midwife about what your hospital offers. Tips to help with recovery in the first 6 weeks include:
Some women feel very positive about having a caesarean section, while others feel disappointed or sad. It can be very helpful to talk through any feelings of disappointment with your partner, family, friends and carers. The nurse or midwife can also refer you for counselling if you are feeling very low. Looking after a new baby is hard for all women, but it can be harder when you are recovering from a caesarean. Be kind to yourself. It may take a few weeks or even longer to recover, particularly if you have had complications. Avoid driving a car until your wound has healed (usually about 6 weeks). Talk with your doctor about when they think would be a safe time to start driving again. You can get advice on improving your recovery after a caesarean section from The Women’s physiotherapy information and fact sheets ‘Improving your recovery after birth – Physiotherapy ’ and ‘Your health after birth – ’. Long-term health outlook after a caesarean sectionIt is unlikely that you will have the same problem again with future pregnancies or births. However, the fact that you have had a caesarean section can cause different problems for future pregnancies or births. If you become pregnant again, you will need to talk to your doctor about whether your next birth will be a caesarean or a vaginal birth. Vaginal birth after caesarean sectionMany women who have previously had a caesarean section can safely give birth vaginally. This is commonly referred to as 'vaginal birth after caesarean section' or VBAC. The benefits of VBAC are:
One of the risks associated with VBAC is rupture of the uterine scar. About one in every 200 VBACs attempted results in rupture of the uterine scar. For those women who do have a uterine rupture, there is an increased risk of hysterectomy and stillbirth. If you have had a previous caesarean section, to make an informed decision, it is recommended that you:
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This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
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