Having a baby is one of the most rewarding experiences one can have, but for many moms-to-be, it’s also an experience that comes with some anxiety. If your doctor recommends a caesarean delivery, you may experience additional stress trying to understand what this type of procedure means and preparing for it. Whether or not you’ve decided to have a C-section — or circumstances suddenly demand it during labor — it’s helpful to know all the possible facts associated with C-section deliveries. In this article, we’ll explore 11 helpful facts every mom should consider when considering a C-section birth.
Cesarean delivery must be discussed with your doctor beforehand, whether it is planned or urgent.
Women should be aware that a C-section is major surgery and carries more risk than a vaginal birth. It is important to obtain all possible information before making the decision to give birth by caesarean section. Women should discuss possible risks with their doctor, including infection, blood loss, scarring of the uterus, and adhesions (scar tissue) between organs in the abdomen.
General or local anesthesia could be imposed or optional.
Women should be aware that C-sections are usually performed under general anesthesia, which means they will be asleep during the procedure. However, depending on the type of procedure and other factors, epidural anesthesia may also be used to numb part of the body during the procedure. In both cases, it is better to collect more information to prepare yourself psychologically and choose the most suitable option with your doctor.
Cesarean delivery requires a longer recovery time.
It is important for women to consider that although a caesarean birth may be shorter than a vaginal birth, the recovery time is longer due to the surgery. Women should plan to be off work for at least 6 weeks to recover after a caesarean section.
Cesarean delivery also requires pubic hair removal.
Since incisions are made in the abdomen during a cesarean delivery, women should plan to wax their pubic area before the operation, as this can reduce skin irritation and make recovery more comfortable. after a caesarean section.
Cesarean delivery is painless during the procedure.
It is essential for women to understand that although they may feel some pressure and tugging during the cesarean delivery procedure, they will not feel any pain due to the anesthesia administered during the operation.
The presence of a trusted person could be authorized to ensure a smooth delivery.
Many hospitals allow a co-parent or support person to be in the operating room during a cesarean delivery, but it is important to know that some may prohibit this for medical reasons in order to to watch over the well-being of the person present, of the mother if she is under local anesthesia and of the nursing team.
A cesarean delivery is also a form of delivering a baby without complications.
Women should remember that having a caesarean does not make them worse parents than those who give birth vaginally. It’s just another way of giving birth and it should not be seen as a form of failure in child rearing or motherhood!
It is always wise to collect as much information as possible before D-Day.
Although not common, life-threatening complications can occur during vaginal delivery and especially during cesarean delivery, such as uterine rupture or placental abruption. It is therefore necessary to take the necessary precautions before opting for a cesarean delivery, for example by regularly monitoring the progress of labor or by meeting regularly with the obstetrician beforehand, etc.
It is likely that babies born by caesarean may experience some breathing difficulties.
Babies born by caesarean may experience breathing difficulties soon after birth due to water in the lungs from amniotic fluids, so special care should be taken regarding this aspect as well.
Cesarean delivery may require special support and assistance.
Mothers who undergo a C-section may feel guilty for not being able to experience a natural birth, which affects not only self-esteem, but also mental health. It is therefore imperative to get professional help if needed, otherwise things can spiral out of control faster than expected, which can affect the bond between mother and baby later on.
Pregnant women should learn some relaxation techniques for better well-being before, during and after childbirth.
Pregnant women should be encouraged to learn simple relaxation techniques that they can use before and after delivery. These techniques can have many benefits, including a reduced risk of postpartum depression and an improvement in overall health. Additionally, these strategies may be particularly beneficial for those who are having a caesarean birth or who face other risks during this time. Learning relaxation techniques doesn’t necessarily require expensive lessons or fancy equipment; on the contrary, activities such as progressive muscle relaxation and deep breathing exercises can make a real difference in helping pregnant women stay mentally and emotionally balanced throughout their pregnancy.
