Babies born by caesarean (c-section) come out through incisions in your uterus and abdomen. If you choose to have a caesarean it's called an 'elective' caesarean. One that takes place after you've already gone into labour is called an emergency caesarean. In your notes, you may see it written as CS, LSCS (lower segment caesarean section) or LUSCS (lower uterine segment caesarean section).
Reasons you might need a caesarean include:
You'll be given an anaesthetic (if you haven't had one already). The anaesthetic used is almost always given as an epidural, which allows you to stay awake. Occasionally, a general anaesthetic is used.
If you're conscious, you can have someone with you in the operating theatre. Neither you nor your companion will be able to see what's going on, as a screen will be placed across your abdomen.
The surgeon makes an incision in your abdomen, just above your pubic hairline, and cuts through the uterus. The baby is then helped out. You might feel quite a bit of tugging and pulling when this happens.
Once the baby is delivered, the cord is clamped and cut. If everything's OK, you can hold him. The placenta and the membranes are then delivered and you are stitched up. The whole thing takes about 45 minutes.
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Reasons you might need a caesarean include:
- * your baby's head is too large to fit through your pelvis
* the shape or size of your pelvis makes a vaginal birth more difficult
* the placenta is lying low in the uterus (placenta praevia), blocking your baby's exit
* you're expecting twins or triplets (one of whom may be in a difficult position)
* your baby's lying across the uterus, or is breech (bottom or feet first)
* once labour has begun, your baby becomes distressed (suffering from a lack of oxygen) and isn't far enough down the birth canal for forceps or ventouse
* you have eclampsia or severe pre-eclampsia
* you're ill, have high blood pressure, or become exhausted in labour
You'll be given an anaesthetic (if you haven't had one already). The anaesthetic used is almost always given as an epidural, which allows you to stay awake. Occasionally, a general anaesthetic is used.
If you're conscious, you can have someone with you in the operating theatre. Neither you nor your companion will be able to see what's going on, as a screen will be placed across your abdomen.
The surgeon makes an incision in your abdomen, just above your pubic hairline, and cuts through the uterus. The baby is then helped out. You might feel quite a bit of tugging and pulling when this happens.
Once the baby is delivered, the cord is clamped and cut. If everything's OK, you can hold him. The placenta and the membranes are then delivered and you are stitched up. The whole thing takes about 45 minutes.
Source