C-sections are very common nowadays, and they’re an extremely safe way to deliver your baby in many cases. Before you agree to a cesarean delivery, it’s important to understand exactly what this surgical procedure entails and whether it’s really necessary in your case. Read on to learn everything you need to know about C-sections and cesarean deliveries in general before making this major decision.


What are the types of C-sections

The two types of cesarean deliveries are elective, or planned, delivery (often called a planned cesarean delivery) and emergency delivery (often called an unplanned cesarean delivery). A planned cesarean delivery can be scheduled because the risks to the mother or baby are too high for a vaginal birth. Emergency cesareans also can happen in cases of complications with labor.


What is an emergency C-section

In the event of an emergency, a cesarean delivery might be necessary. If you are having contractions but the cervix is not fully dilated, then your obstetrician may advise inducing labor or performing a cesarean delivery. The procedure typically involves entering through your abdomen with a surgical incision. It’s important that you know all of the risks associated with this type of delivery so that you can make an informed decision on what to do in case of an emergency situation.


What are the preoperative tests prior to surgery

Preoperative testing is required before a cesarean delivery. This includes lab work, an electrocardiogram, an urinalysis, a chest X-ray, a sonogram, and sometimes other imaging studies such as abdominal CT scans or MRIs. It is important for the physician to assess the patient's medical history for issues like infection (both past and active), blood clots in veins or arteries that could be associated with thrombophlebitis or deep vein thrombosis.


What causes a C-section

The most common reason for a cesarean delivery is when the baby is not in the right position, such as when they are breech. Another common reason is when there has been some kind of complication during the pregnancy. These include, but are not limited to, hypertension or pre-eclampsia (severe blood pressure). There may also be other reasons not mentioned here.


What happens during surgery

During a cesarean delivery, an incision is made in the mother's abdomen. The fetus is removed through this incision. As for the recovery process, it can take up to four weeks for someone who has had a cesarean surgery before they are able to resume all of their normal activities.


What can happen during recovery

Cesarean delivery recovery is usually faster than recovery from a vaginal birth. However, since cesareans are more invasive, they do carry the risk of infection or excessive bleeding. There is also the chance of incisional hernia following surgery, though that risk can be lowered by keeping up with recommended postpartum exercises.

In most cases you'll need someone to help care for your other children so you can rest after your surgery.


Tips on what you can do after giving birth via C-section

If you plan on having more children, it may be best to schedule a cesarean delivery during your next pregnancy so that you can have a vaginal delivery for future babies. Women who have had their uterus removed or have severe pelvic problems can't usually deliver vaginally after a cesarean delivery. Although many doctors will say that there is no risk associated with delivering vaginally after having had a C-section, there are some things you should know before deciding whether or not to try.