FAQs About Caesarean Section

Your chances of having a natural birth after a C-section are greatly increased if you match these criteria, i.e., your doctor made a low transverse cut, your pelvis is not too narrow to deliver a normal-sized baby, and you are not expecting multiples.

A C-section might be advised if a vaginal delivery is too risky. Elective Caesareans are typically scheduled starting from the 39th week of pregnancy.

A C-section might be necessary for the following reasons:

• Multiple pregnancy (twins or more babies).
• Baby is in a breech (feet-first) position and attempts to turn the baby into a head-down position have been unsuccessful.
• Occurrence of placenta praevia (placenta is attached too low in the uterus).
• Pregnancy-induced medical conditions such as pre-eclampsia.
• Infection such as a first genital herpes infection or an untreated HIV infection.

Your doctor may proceed with an emergency c-section if your baby is not getting enough oxygen and nutrients, your labour is not progressing, and there is excessive vaginal bleeding.

Upon admission to the hospital for a scheduled C-section, the mother may receive an oral antacid to reduce stomach acidity, as well as another medication to minimise secretions in the mouth and nose. An intravenous (IV) line will be inserted into the hand or arm to administer an electrolyte solution, and an antibiotic will be given through the IV to reduce the risk of postoperative infection. Additionally, monitors will be used to track blood pressure, foetal heart rate, and maternal blood oxygen levels throughout the procedure.

Most C-sections are conducted under spinal or epidural anaesthesia, allowing you to remain awake while the lower part of your body is numbed, ensuring you do not feel any pain during the procedure. In some cases, a C-section is performed under general anaesthesia, where you will be asleep.

During a C-section, a screen is placed across your body during the surgery. The medical team in the operating theatre will keep you informed. An incision about 10 to 20 cm long will be made transversely across the lower abdomen and uterus to deliver the baby. In some cases, a vertical cut may be necessary, such as when the baby is in a breech or sideways position, the placenta is positioned low at the front of the uterus, or if there are other abnormalities present in the uterus.

After the baby is delivered, the womb and the various layers of the abdomen are carefully stitched up. Once the mother and baby are in stable condition, she and her partner may have the opportunity to hold the baby.

If there are no complications, the whole surgery takes around 40-50 minutes.