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C-sections

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"Cesarean section/C-section/Cesarean birth is the surgical delivery of a baby through a cut made in the mother's abdomen and uterus.

The cut can be either:

vertical (up/down): belly button to pubic section.
horizontal (side/side): across pubic section"

Reasons for C-sections:

Abnormal fetal heart rate
Abnormal position of fetus during birth
Problems with labor
Size of the fetus
Placenta problems
Pre-existing conditions in mother (diabetes, hypertension, HIV)
Active herpes sores in mother's vagina or cervix
Twins or other multiples
Previous C-section

Reasons for Emergency C-sections

Labor stops/not progressing
Placenta separates from uterine wall too quickly
Umbilical cord pinches
Baby in fetal distress
Baby head/body too big to come through birth canal

Possible Risks

Reactions to medicines
Bleeding
Abnormal separation from placenta
Injury to bladder or bowel
Infection in the uterus
Wound infection
Trouble urinating or urinary tract infection (UTI)
Delayed return of bowel function
Blood clots

Preparation for C-section

Ask for explanation of procedure
Read consent form
Prepare for general/spinal/epidural anesthesia by fasting for 8 hours before
Inform provider about bleeding disorders (and blood clotting medications)
Consider taking medicine for acid management (if provided)
Arrange for company after C-section
Follow instructions from provider

C-section recovery

Treat c-section incision with care
Know and look for signs of infection
Try different breast-feeding procedures
Manage postpartum symptoms
Follow up with primary care provider (PCP)

Symptoms that should be alerted to PCP

Fever
Signs of infection
Pain around incision or abdominal area
Foul-smelling discharge
Pain while peeing/ Trouble pooping
Heavy vaginal bleeding
Leg pains/swelling/redness of legs
Trouble bleeding or chest pains
Breast pains
Depression
Thoughts of self harm or towards your baby

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