What is caesarean

When baby is not given birth by natural process of labor through vagina then a surgery is performed to take out baby from uterus is called caesarean. In this procedure a cut is made in lower belly and by cutting uterus and abdominal wall the baby is taken out directly. This procedure is performed under the supervision of medical experts. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia.

There is planned as well as unplanned caesarean surgery as well depending on the situation

Pre-planned caesarean

There are some conditions in which doctor after discussion with patient makes decision to go for caesarean as normal birth is difficult or impossible. They take this decision from the history of scans which were performed during pregnancy.  She makes decision prior to labor pains. Main purpose of caesarean is to give safe birth to baby and mother.

Following are some pre-planned caesarean.

1. Some time position of baby is not normal i.e. head is not in uterus. Some times its feet inside the uterus or baby is sidewise. In both conditions to give normal vaginal birth is difficult or not possible.
2. If she had caesarean before. In this condition it becomes difficult to give normal birth to second baby if mother had caesarean before.
3. At times placenta develop at the opening of cervix during pregnancy. This condition is known as placenta previa. With normal labor it is not possible to give birth in this condition. So gynecologist advises the mother to go for surgery.
4. It is difficult for a mother to deliver more than one baby through vaginal birth. When there are duplet, triplet or more babies then it is recommended that go for c- section.
5. Size of baby is important factor that determines how it is going to born. In some cases vagina Is smaller and baby can’t move through it.  So doctor goes for planned surgery

Emergency caesarean

There are some emergency condition in which doctor decides to go for caesarean rather than normal vaginal delivery. Because life of mother or baby is at risk so they perform surgery to safe life of both mother and baby.

Here are some emergency conditions in which surgical birth to baby becomes mandatory.

1. Due to high blood pressure or some other reason placenta breaks down partially or completely. When it breaks the bridge that connects mother with fetus also breaks. This is a severe condition which requires immediate surgery as fetus survival depends on placenta. In most condition if surgery delayed for few hours results in death of fetus inside womb. It can easily identified able as excessive bleeding starts when it breaks.
2. At times labor pain is not progressing normally. It may be hyper intensive or very slow and taking more time than naturally it should take. So it becomes risky for mother and baby to tolerate such pain for longer period of the so doctor may go for surgery.
3. There is sac filled with water and other vital materials. In some situations this sac ruptures due to any condition and life of baby becomes in danger so  doctors try to safe life of fetus so they recommend c- section. In such situation surgery becomes vital s survival of the baby depends on water. And if there will be no water baby’s survival is difficult.
4. There are some cases during which labor prolongs and baby passes meconium inside womb and it gets mixed with amniotic fluid.  This is harmful for both mother and baby. It raises serious medical attention. In this condition doctor goes for surgery.
5. It is advised to pregnant women to regularly check the movement of baby especially in the morning time. If baby movement is slower or not moving go for checkup. In this condition if heart rate of baby is not normal then surgery may be performed

Risks of caesarean

Although it is safe and common procedure nowadays but still it has its own risk and consequences as any other surgery have. Here we are going to discuss its risks and consequences.

1. There is more blood loss during surgery as any surgical procedure is performed by cutting the skin and muscles. So there is more loss of blood as compared to normal surgery
2. Sometimes infection may occur in the lining of uterus which will be needed to properly taken care of.
3. There is numbness feeling in lower abdomen which will remain for rest of the life. You will not be able to feel any sensation in this area. Because when cut is made it has also cut the connection between cells so you can’t feel anything in this area.
4. There is more chance that baby may develop respiratory problems and needed to stay in incubators for some time.
5. You need to be hospitalized for 3-5 days under the supervision of doctor until you recover from it.
6. There will be more pain as compared normal deliver. Pain killer are given but more time is required to fully recover from this pain
7. There is problem in passing bowel movements
8.  Passing urine will also become difficult and painful. There is burning sensation when you pass the urine.
9. It will be difficult to give vaginal birth in the future. You will be needed to go for caesarean in the future as well.
10. You may start to suffer from constipation as well.
11. Anesthesia, whether it is general or spinal both have consequences. In spinal you will have pain in the back for longer period of time. And in general you need more time to gain senses back and see your baby.
12. It becomes difficult to feed baby when you have surgery. You need help of family or your partner to take care of you and baby.
13. Healing procedure is slow and it will take longer time to heal the wound as three layers of skin have been cut.

Conclusion

We may conclude that although caesarean have many risks and consequences but still it is a successful procedure to give birth to baby in healthy manner for safety of mother and baby. It is important to go for regular checkups and scans that will help you to better understand the health and condition of baby.