Cesarean birth (also called C-section) is surgery in which your baby is born through a cut that your doctor makes in your belly and uterus. For some women and babies, a C-section is safer than vaginal birth. You may need a C-section because of medical reasons that affect your pregnancy. If your pregnancy is healthy and you don’t need a C-section, it’s best to have your baby through vaginal birth.
Your doctor may suggest that you have a C-section because of complications that make vaginal birth unsafe, for example:
If you’re scheduling your C-section, talk to your doctor about waiting until at least 39 weeks of pregnancy. This gives your baby the time she needs to grow and develop before birth.
You might feel upset that you won’t get to have the birth you wanted or planned, and that is normal. You have every right. But what you want more than anything else is a safe delivery and happy baby so don’t focus on the method, focus on the result; your beautiful baby is born!
It is not a good idea to have a C-section, unless there is a legitimate medical reason (see above). This is because C-sections can cause problems for you and your baby, especially in future pregnancies. Each C-section increases your risk for some serious complications in future pregnancies, which is why experts recommend a vaginal delivery if you intend to have several children. Be wary of doctors who push for C-sections without giving legitimate medical reasons, since C-sections often cost more for patients than vaginal births, and can be more convenient for doctors as they can be scheduled during ‘office hours’.
Some people think C-sections will be easier, less painful and less complicated, so it’s important to separate the myths from the realities.
Myth 1: Greater convenience. Yes, it can help you better plan for family help and work leave, but did you know you will:
Myth 2: Avoid pain of labor and delivery. Yes you not might not feel much pain during the surgery, but did you know you will:
Myth 3: Minimize complications. Yes, you can avoid complications that happen in a small percentage of vaginal deliveries, but did you know that there are:
Myth 4: Preserve ‘tightness’. Research has proven that long-term sexual function remains the same and is not impacted by vaginal birth. Vaginal tightness returns within six months post-partum after at least the first birth. You can do kegel exercises to tighten your vagina after a vaginal birth.
Your uterus will be repaired with dissolving stitches and your abdominal incision closed with sutures. These sutures are typically removed 3-7 days later. Right after surgery you will be taken to a recovery room and once you are ready your baby will be brought to you. If you plan to breastfeed, give it a try now. You may find nursing more comfortable if you and your newborn lie on your sides facing each other. If you need help, ask a nurse or you can call us anytime for free advice as we know it can sometimes be challenging to breastfeed after surgery. You will stay in hospital about 3 days and will be offered pain medication as necessary.
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