WHAT CAESAREAN SECTION IS AND WHY IT IS DONE.

By, Adesua J. Oni.

Cesarean delivery (C-section) is a surgical procedure used to deliver a baby through incisions in the abdomen and the uterus. Incisions are straight cuts made on your body and, in this case, cuts on your lower abdomen to bring out your baby. These incisions are made by an obstetrician and the procedure is usually done in a surgical suite or theatre. During the process, one incision is made on your skin. Then, along the same line, another cut is made on your uterus gently so the knife does not get to your baby’s skin.

Often, when women, especially in Africa, hear the term “caesarean section,” they tend to cringe internally or feel less of themselves despairing of their health.

However, there is absolutely no cause for worry. Usually, the cause of this worry stems from two major mindsets:

?-That they may not make it out of the theatre or operating room alive.

?-That they will get no funds to pay the bills for surgery.

The socioeconomic situation in some African countries makes it actually difficult to counsel many couples out of money worries regarding caesarean section. Still, we have to do the job of letting you know that no amount of money is too much to ensure your safety during pregnancy and delivery.

A C-section might be planned ahead of time if you develop pregnancy complications or if you had a previous C-section and you are not considering vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). Often, however, the need for a first-time C-section does not become obvious until labour starts.?

TYPES OF CAESAREAN SECTION

1. ELECTIVE CAESAREAN SECTION

This is a planned caesarean section. Usually, the woman already knows she will be undergoing one. She has her mind prepared and has accepted the idea fully. In most cases also, she and her family or spouse are already prepared for the financial implication.

2. EMERGENCY CAESAREAN SECTION

In this case, the pregnant mum already assumes she will deliver vaginally. Sometimes, the indication of surgery comes up while labour has already started and, in some cases when the baby is about to be born. This is why it is imperative to deliver in a standard hospital, especially if you live in an underdeveloped country where healthcare is not prioritised. A standard hospital is one with capable professionals who are also licensed to practise. It also has to be a hospital where modern facilities to care for you and your baby are available should there be an emergency or your baby needs care in an intensive care unit or management in a special care baby unit.??

1. WHEN LABOUR IS NOT PROGRESSING OR HAS STOPPED PROGRESSING

Prolonged or stalled labour is one of the commonest reasons for conducting a C-section on a woman. This might occur if a woman’s cervix is not opening up enough despite strong contractions over several hours.

Your cervix is the lower part of your womb (uterus) which has to expand to allow the baby’s head or presenting part to pass through. Emotional dystocia caused by fears or anxiety by the pregnant woman can lead to a stall in the labour process.

2. WHEN BABY IS IN DISTRESS

During labour, your baby’s heart rate (foetal heart rate) will be monitored closely by a midwife or doctor. There is a range of readings that should not raise eyebrows or cause concerns. If there happens to be sudden changes in your baby’s heart rate outside this range, a C-section might be the best option suggested. Any delay in decision-making by you or your significant other at this point can be dangerous.?

3. WHEN MOTHERS HAVE PRE-EXISTING HEALTH CONDITIONS

Some mothers have pre-existing health problems before they get pregnant and will have to live with these health problems in their pregnant state. A C-section might be recommended if you have a severe health problem such as a heart or brain condition. A C-section is also recommended if you have an active genital herpes infection at the time of labour. A baby shouldn't be born through a vagina with genital herpes.

4. WHEN THE BABY’S POSITION IS ABNORMAL OR NON-OPTIMAL

For a vaginal delivery, the best position your baby should assume is the head-first position (where the head gets into the birth canal before the rest of the body). A C-section might be the safest way to deliver the baby if his or her feet or buttocks enter the birth canal first (breech) or the baby is positioned side or shoulder first (transverse).

5. WHEN MOTHERS HAD PREVIOUS C-SECTIONS

After a previous caesarean delivery, you can still have a trial of labour called a VBAC. The type of uterine incision that was made on you in the previous caesarean section will determine if you will be advised to have a VBAC. A VBAC may be Bn unadvisable if an initial surgery warranting a vertical incision was done.?

6. WHEN MOTHERS HAD MULTIPLE PREGNANCIES

A C-section might be needed if you are carrying twins and the leading baby is in an abnormal position or if you have more than two babies. If the leading twin is not positioned head-first, then, depending on the skill of the healthcare personnel at the facility, you might be advised to undergo a caesarean section.

You will need to attend antenatal clinic regularly if you want to prevent yourself from being a victim when delivery and childbearing is concerned.

A facility-based vaginal delivery and caesarean delivery are to ensure that you and your baby are healthy and fine.

Do not decline a caesarean if your doctor or health care professional explains that you need one.

The most important thing is for you and your baby to scale through this process peacefully.

To read more about the indications for caesarean section and real-life experiences of other women who have had this procedure, click here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09HJD1Q4R and make an order for my book, Caesarean section.

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