Cesarean section is an operation to deliver a beby from the mother’s uterous through a horizontal or, less commonly, a vertical incision in the abdomen. A cesarean section is performed if vaginal delivery would be difficult or dangerous for the mother or the baby, for example, if there is fetal distress, placenta praevia, or pre-eclampsia.

A caesarian section may be performed using either an epidural anaesthesia or general anaesthesia. After the operation, the mother is given analgesic drugs (painkillers) as required. If there are no complications, she and the baby can ususally leave hospital about four to five days after the operation.

PROCEDURE FOR A CAESAREAN SECTION

A caesarean section allows delivery of a baby through a horizontal or vertical cut in the abdominal and uterine walls. The mother is given epidural anaesthesia, so that she remains conscious during the procedure, or general anaesthesia.

HOW CAESAREAN SECTION IS DONE

1. First, epidural anaesthesia is carried out to temporarily numb the abdomen by deading the nerves leading to it. A needle is introduced into the epidural space and a catheter is threaded through it. A local anaesthetic is injected down the catheter. A catheter is also inserted into the bladder to empty it.
2. The abdomen is then opened, usually through a horizontal incision made just above the pubic bone. This type of cut heals most effectively. The resulting scar is hardly noticeable and comes below the “bikini-line”.
3. The amniotic fluid is drained off by suction. The baby is delivered through an incision in the lower part of the uterus. The umbilical cord is cut and the afterbirth removed. The incisions in the uterus and abdomen are then sewn up. The mother is given an injection of ergometrine and oxytocin to make the uterus contract and stop any bleeding.

WHY CAESAREAN SECTION IS DONE

A caesarean section  can be elective (planned) in cases of breech presentation; placenta praevia (where the placenta is lying close to or across the cervix); the mother’s ill health; or, most commonly, if there were problems in previous caesarians that still exists (such as the mother having a small pelvis).

Elective caesarians  is sometimes requested by the parents for social reasons.

An emergency caesarian is needed in cases of fetal distress (lack of oxygen); unsuccessful induction of labour; or bleeding (such as in placental abruption – premature separation – or placenta praevia).

Popularity: 1% [?]