C-Sections

BY: MASSIEL CORONADO

Table of Contents Recovery after a C-section
Reasons for C-sections ..................................................................................................1 4 things that can lead to a faster recovery
1. Getting plenty of rest
Reasons for C-sections continued ............................................................................2
Since a C-section is a major surgery, the body will need time to
How to lower risk for C-sections ..............................................................................3 heal. The mother should get friends or family to help take care
of the baby and she should get as much rest as she can.
Different methods for C-sections ........................................................................3
2. Getting good nutrition
Different methods for C-sections continued ......................................................4 It is just important to have good nutrition after the C-sections as
when you are pregnant. If youre breastfeeding, having good
Recovery after a C-section ...........................................................................................5
nutrition will keep the baby healthy and also help you get
stronger. Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, will boost
your breast milk supply and help avoid constipation.

3. Take care of your body

Avoid going up and down stairs and moving around as much as
you can. Keep things that you know youll need later close so
that you wont be getting up often. Hold your abdomen when
coughing or sneezing in order to protect the incision site.

4. Relieve pain
Make sure to take the right medications, especially when
breastfeeding. The medication you are given by your doctor will
depend on your level of discomfort. Also use a heating pad to
relieve discomfort at the surgical site.

5
Lower uterine segment C-section
Reasons for C-Sections
For this type, the incision is made just above the pubic hairline. It is a
horizontal incision that cuts through the skin and uterus. The baby is
then delivered by inserting a hand into the uterus and pulling it out.
Mother is pregnant with multiple babies
When there are multiple babies it can cause the mother to go
The risk of bleeding and other complications after the surgery is minimal.
into preterm labor.
This is why this method is the most commonly used one today. The
The babies might also be in positions that could be considered
surgical wound heals easier than after a traditional, which allows for the
unsafe for delivery.
mother to choose whether she wants a vaginal birth or a C-section for her
future deliveries.

Caesarean hysterectomy The mothers labor stalls

This is one of the most common reasons why C-sections occur.
This involves removing the uterus during the same procedure as the C-
section delivery. This is needed when there is too much post-delivery One third of C-sections are performed because the labor does
bleeding or the placenta cannot be separated from the uterus. not progress.

Problems with the placenta

There are 2 placental problems that could lead to a C-section

Placenta Previa- the placenta covers the cervix partially or fully

Placental Abruption- the placenta separates from the uterus, the
baby then cant get oxygen

The baby is in distress

The umbilical cord can become compressed, preventing blood
flow from the placenta
This is shown in the fetal monitor

4 1

The mother has had a previous C-section
This is one of the main reasons why women receive C-
sections.
Mother has abnormal pelvis
A previous pelvic injury or condition could cause the
mother to receive a C-section.
The mother has severe Illness or
condition
Illnesses such as diabetes, herpes, heart problems, or
ovarian cysts could make vaginal delivery unsafe for
the baby
Baby has a medical condition such as
spina bifida
This is a birth defect that affects the backbone and the
spinal cord, the baby needs to be delivery by C-section
2 3
How to lower risk for C-sections
Take care of yourself and get prenatal care. Certain health
related issues can increase the odds of having a C-section. For example,
if the mother is significantly overweight, has diabetes, or high blood
pressure the chance of having a C-section goes up. Getting prenatal care
will allow the health care provider to address any potential condition
that can be treated. Getting prenatal care wont guarantee a vaginal
delivery but it will help make sure the mother and baby are healthy.
Different Methods for
C-sections
Traditional C-section
This involves a long, vertical incision made in the midline of the
abdomen. The skin and uterus are incised, and the baby is delivered.
This C-sections allows for a large amount of space for delivering the
baby due to the size of the incision. However, this procedure is not
commonly used today and is associated with post-surgical
complications. The size of the incision weakens abdominal muscles and
increases risk of hernia for years after the surgery is performed.