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Caesarean Section

What Is a Caesarean Section?

Obstetricians perform Caesarean sections (aka C-sections) when vaginal delivery would endanger the health of the mother or the baby.  In some cases, those who would otherwise have a normal delivery also request the procedure.   

The mother chooses between general and spinal anesthesia.  The spinal anesthesia (known as an epidural) permits her to remain awake during the Caesarean section and avoids sedating the baby.  During labor, the obstetrician makes a transverse incision slightly above the edge of the bladder.  Called a lower uterine segment section, it varies slightly from a classical caesarean section involving a midline longitudinal incision.   

The Caesarean section incision cuts into the mother’s abdomen and uterus, and the obstetrician removes the baby.  If the mother is using an epidural and is still conscious, the anesthetist lowers the drape at this moment to allow her to see the baby.  The doctor then cuts the umbilical cord and removes the placenta.  In some cases when complications arise, it is necessary to remove the uterus as well.  Then, the doctor closes the incision with stitches.  There is a slight risk of the scar tearing open during subsequent deliveries.  Generally, women are able to return home within 3 to 5 days, but full recovery may take up to 4 weeks.