What is Caesarean Section?

A Caesarean (C-Section) delivery is a surgical procedure where in cuts are made to the abdomen and the uterus to deliver a baby. Although it is usually planned before the delivery process, some natural birth cases may be done via a C-section when the mother develops certain pregnancy complications during or prior to labour.  A C-section may also be advised if it has been done before (for the first baby). The procedure usually happens in three steps-

1. Abdominal Incision – A cut is made on the abdomen thorough the abdominal wall near the pubic hairline. Cuts are made layer-by layer till the doctor reaches the uterus.
2. Uterine Incision – The uterus is cut horizontally on the lower part depending upon the position of the baby.
   
   c. Delivery – The baby will then be delivered, and the umbilical cord will be clamped and cut. Then, the doctor will clear fluid from the baby’s nose and mouth. The placenta will be removed from the mother’s body and the incisions will be sutured.

   Post-op the mother is advised to stay in the hospital for a couple of days under observation. And as the anaesthesia wears off, she is advised to drink plenty of fluids and include walks in her daily routine. The mother can breastfeed as soon as she feels like. Proper care should be taken of the incision site and it should be kept clean and monitored daily for any signs of post-op infections. It is recommended to avoid sex after about six weeks of having a C-section as it would put undue pressure on the site and make it susceptible for the sutures to rupture and open.