How to Prepare for a C-section

A cesarean section is surgery to remove the baby during birth. This procedure is done if the mother is unable to have a vaginal delivery, if the vaginal birth poses a danger to the mother or baby, if the mother has had a cesarean section in a previous birth, or simply if the woman Mothers prefer caesarean section to natural birth. ^{[1] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source} Some cesarean sections are performed on request. If you’re planning to have a cesarean section or are preparing for a necessary cesarean section, you should know the details of the procedure, do the necessary tests, and plan it with your doctor at the hospital.

Table of Contents

Understanding caesarean section

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Understand the rationale for cesarean section. Depending on your pregnancy, your doctor may recommend a cesarean section due to a medical problem that could affect your baby’s health. A cesarean section may be recommended as a precaution if: ^{[2] X Source of study}

You have chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or kidney disease.
You have infectious diseases such as HIV or active genital herpes.
There is a risk to the health of the unborn baby due to a disease or birth defect. If the pregnancy is too large and it is not safe to have a vaginal delivery, your doctor may also recommend a cesarean section.
You are overweight. Obesity can cause other risk factors for cesarean delivery.
The fetus is in the breech position, which means that the baby’s legs or buttocks will come out first and cannot be turned.
You have had a cesarean section in a previous birth.

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Know how the doctor performs the surgery. You will be introduced to tips for mental preparation. In general, most cesarean sections follow these steps: ^{[3] X Research Sources}^{[4] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

When you enter the hospital, the medical staff will clean your abdomen and insert a tube into your bladder to collect urine. You will receive fluids and medications before and during surgery through an IV in your arm.
Most cesarean sections are under local anesthesia, which means only the lower body is numbed. This also means that you will be awake during the surgery and have a chance to see the baby being removed from the uterus. The usual anesthetic is spinal anesthesia. Local anesthetic is injected into the space around the spinal cord. If you have an emergency cesarean section during labor, you will be under general anesthesia and will be completely sedated during the surgery.
The doctor will make a horizontal incision in the abdominal wall, near the pubic bone. If a quick delivery is needed in an emergency, the doctor will make a longitudinal incision from below the navel to the pubic bone.
The doctor will then make an incision in the uterus. About 95% of cesarean sections are performed with a horizontal incision in the lower part of the uterus, because the muscle at the bottom of the uterus is thinner, so there is less bleeding during surgery. If the fetus is in an abnormal position or low in the uterus, the doctor will make a longitudinal incision.
The baby will then be removed through an incision in the uterus. The doctor will drain the amniotic fluid from the baby’s mouth and nose, then clamp and cut the umbilical cord. You may feel a strong tug as the doctor removes the baby from the uterus.
Your doctor will remove the placenta from your uterus, check to make sure your reproductive organs are healthy, and stitch the incision. You can then meet your baby and breastfeed on the delivery table.

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Remember that there are risks associated with a cesarean section. Some women decide to request a cesarean section. However, the American Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that women and doctors plan for a vaginal delivery unless a cesarean section is needed for medical reasons. A cesarean section should only be done after you have had a serious discussion with your doctor about the surgery and understand the possible risks. ^{[5] X Research Sources}^{[6] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

Caesarean section is considered major surgery and you will likely lose more blood than vaginal delivery. Recovery time after cesarean section is also longer, about 2-3 days in hospital. Caesarean section is also major abdominal surgery and takes up to 6 weeks to fully recover. If you have a cesarean section, you are more likely to have complications in future pregnancies. Your doctor may suggest that you have a cesarean section in future births to prevent uterine rupture, a condition in which the uterus breaks apart from an old scar during a vaginal birth. However, depending on where you plan to give birth and the reason for the cesarean section, some cases may be possible after a cesarean delivery.
There are also risks associated with the surgery, as you will be given a local anesthetic and may experience anaphylaxis to the anesthetic. You also have a higher risk of developing blood clots in veins in your legs or in your pelvic organs as a result of surgery, and there is also a chance that the incision will become infected.
A cesarean section can lead to health problems for the baby such as transient tachypnea, an abnormally rapid breathing in the first few days after birth. Also, if a cesarean section is performed early (less than 39 weeks), your baby is at increased risk of breathing problems. There is also a risk of the baby being injured during surgery because the doctor accidentally cuts the skin.

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Understand the benefits of a cesarean section. A planned cesarean section allows you to plan your birth, be more proactive when it happens, and to some extent predict labor and the baby’s arrival. Unlike an emergency cesarean section, a planned cesarean section is less likely to have complications such as infection, and many women experience no adverse reactions to local anesthetics or unexpected damage to abdominal organs. In addition, a cesarean section prevents damage to the perineum during labor that can lead to bowel problems. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

If your baby is too big, your baby is “giant,” or you’re carrying multiples, your doctor may recommend a cesarean section as the safest option for your delivery. A cesarean section reduces the risk of infection for the baby.

Plan a cesarean birth with your doctor

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Do the necessary tests. The doctor will order blood tests to prepare for the cesarean section. These tests will provide important information such as blood type and hemoglobin level if a blood transfusion is required during surgery. ^{[8] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

You should also tell your doctor about any medications you are taking, just in case your medication could complicate surgery.
Your doctor will recommend that you speak with your anesthesiologist to rule out any conditions that may increase your risk of complications during anesthesia.

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Schedule surgery. Your doctor will recommend the best time to schedule the surgery, based on the health needs of the mother and baby. Some women schedule surgery at 39 weeks based on the doctor’s recommendation. If you have a healthy pregnancy, your doctor will recommend a date that is closer to your due date. ^{[9] X Research Source}

Once you’ve chosen your cesarean section date, you should also include the cesarean delivery date in your birth plan and fill out the pre-registration form at the hospital.

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Know about what happened the night before surgery. Your doctor will talk about the procedures for the night before the cesarean section such as, not eating, drinking or smoking after midnight. Do not eat a single piece of food, even candy, and do not drink water. ^{[10] X Research Source}

You should try to get a good night’s sleep the night before your surgery. Shower before going to the hospital, but do not shave your pubic hair as this increases the risk of infection. Hospital staff can shave your belly and pubic hair if necessary. ^{[11] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}
If you have an iron deficiency, your doctor may suggest that you increase your iron intake through iron-rich foods and supplements. Caesarean section is considered major surgery, you will lose blood, and high iron content will help the body recover. ^{[12] X Research Source}

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Decide who will be in the operating room during surgery. When planning for a cesarean section, it’s a good idea to let your partner or support person know what happens before, after, and during surgery. You should make it clear that your husband or support person will be present during the birth and will be with you and your baby after the surgery. ^{[13] X Research Source}^{[14] X Research Source}

Many hospitals allow a support person to sit next to you during surgery and take pictures of your baby’s birth. The doctor may allow at least one assistant in the delivery room.

Recovery after caesarean section

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Expect a hospital stay of at least two to three days. After the anesthetic wears off, a pump will be used to help you adjust the dose of the intravenous pain medication. Your doctor will encourage you to sit up and walk soon after surgery, as this can speed up the recovery process and prevent constipation and blood clots. ^{[15] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}^{[16] X Research Source}

The nurses will also monitor the incision for signs of infection, the amount of fluid you drink, and the functioning of your bladder and bowels. You should start breastfeeding your baby as soon as possible, as skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding are wonderful bonding moments between mother and baby.

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Ask your doctor about pain relievers and home care. Before you leave the hospital, your doctor will advise you about pain medications and precautions you may need, such as vaccinations. Vaccinations will be updated to protect the health of you and your baby. ^{[17] X Research Source}

Remember that if you’re breastfeeding, you may have to avoid certain medications or ask your doctor about medications that are safe for both mother and baby.
Your doctor will also explain the process of “uterine contractions”, when your uterus will shrink to its pre-pregnancy size, and discharge. Bright red bleeding may occur for up to 6 weeks. You will need to use super absorbent tampons that are usually provided by the hospital after delivery, and not use tampons while you are recovering.

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Take care of yourself and your baby during your recovery at home. Recovery from a cesarean section can take up to two months, so don’t rush it, and limit your physical activity as well. Do not lift anything heavier than the baby, and avoid doing housework. ^{[18] X Research Sources}

Use fluid to adjust your activity level, as more fluid will come out if you exercise too much. Over time, the discharge will change from pale pink or dark red to yellow or lighter in color. Do not use tampons or douches until the discharge is gone. Do not have sex until your doctor says it is safe.
Maintain body moisture by drinking plenty of water and eating a healthy and balanced diet. This will help your body recover and prevent bloating and constipation. It’s a good idea to keep diaper changes and baby supplies close to where you lie so you don’t have to get up a lot.
Watch out for high fever or abdominal pain, as both are signs of infection. If these symptoms appear, you need to see a doctor.

Advice

Consider hiring postpartum care for mothers after giving birth.

Steps

Understanding caesarean section

Plan a cesarean birth with your doctor

Recovery after caesarean section

Advice

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