What is an elective caesarean section?
A caesarean section is a procedure to deliver a baby by a surgical operation. Elective means that it is planned before you go into labour.
Why do I need a caesarean section?
The following are the more common reasons why a caesarean section may be recommended.
- Your baby is positioned in a way other than head down.
- Your baby is not growing properly or is distressed.
- The placenta is lying in front of your baby and either completely or partly over your cervix, preventing a vaginal birth.
- You have had a caesarean section before.
- You have a multiple pregnancy.
- You have a particular complication of pregnancy.
- The placenta has become too firmly attached to your uterus (womb) so it will not separate naturally.
- You have medical problems such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
In your case a caesarean section is the safest method of delivery for both you and your baby.
Are there any alternatives to a caesarean section?
The alternatives are normal labour or induced labour (where medication is used to get labour started) followed by a vaginal delivery.
What does the operation involve?
Almost all caesarean sections are performed under regional anaesthesia (either a spinal or epidural anaesthetic). This means you will be awake so you can see your baby.
The operation usually takes less than an hour.
Your obstetrician will make a low horizontal cut on your ‘bikini’ line. They will separate the muscles of your abdominal wall and open your uterus (womb). Your obstetrician will deliver your baby through the cut.
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After the delivery, they will repair your womb and abdomen.
A midwife will be with you throughout the operation and a paediatrician may also attend to your baby when it is born.
What complications can happen?
Some complications can be serious and can even cause death.
General complications of any operation
- bleeding
- infection of the surgical site (wound)
- allergic reaction to the equipment, materials or medication
- developing a hernia in the scar
- venous thromboembolism
- chest infection
Specific complications of this operation
- infection in your womb
- bladder damage
- heavy bleeding
- small scratch on your baby’s skin
- breathing difficulties for your baby where your baby takes longer than normal to clear the fluid from their lungs
- effect on future fertility or pregnancy
Consequences of this procedure
- pain
- unsightly scarring of your skin
How soon will I recover?
You will be able to go home when the healthcare team feels you are medically fit enough, which is usually after 1 to 3 days.
Your obstetrician and the healthcare team will tell you when you can return to normal activities.
Bleeding usually lasts for 2 to 4 weeks.
Do not lift anything heavy or do strenuous exercise for 6 weeks. Do not push, pull or carry anything heavier than your baby during this time.
Most women take at least 3 months to recover from the operation.
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