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What is a Caesarean Section?

Cesarean section is a surgical operation in which an incision is made in the mother's abdomen and the baby is delivered. We have decided to have a normal birth, but for various reasons, there may be risks in normal birth and here, with the advice of the physician, a cesarean section is performed. Sometimes a caesarean section is performed at a time determined by the pregnant woman and the doctor before any problems develop or even before labor begins. This is called an elective caesarean section.

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Why Caesarean Section?

According to the World Health Organization, caesarean section has become the method of choice for one out of every three births. This is 3 times more than expected. The reason for this is that women turn to cesarean section believing that it is more comfortable and doctors implement this decision. In my clinical practice, the priority is always in favor of natural birth. However, sometimes we prefer cesarean section when the conditions for normal delivery are not met. In order to choose this option, it is necessary to follow up the pregnancy correctly and to know the mother well. It is essential to have a good birth experience to make this choice. We make the right, risk-free and healthy choice for you and your baby.

Birth Pain

Pain in the abdomen, groin and lower back that occurs at regular intervals with the onset of labor. The frequency indicates how close the mother and baby are to delivery. The pain is usually very severe and sometimes affects the mother and baby badly. Most women cannot tolerate these pains, so they cannot afford a natural vaginal delivery and opt for a caesarean section.

What are the Causes of Cesarean Delivery?

  • As the number of babies increases, the need for a caesarean section increases. In the case of twins or more, a cesarean section is needed if the position of the babies is not suitable or if the babies are born too early.
  • Insufficient opening of the cervix and insufficient progress of the baby along the birth path.
  • It is an inevitable option if we observe risks with the baby during birth. Problems with the baby's cord, insufficient blood supply to the baby, imbalances in the baby's blood flow, etc.
  • Placental problems.

Circumstances when a cesarean section is preferable

  • When your baby's heartbeat deteriorates to the point of emergency delivery
  • Placement of the placenta in the cervix or premature separation of the placenta.
  • In cases such as breech presentation, side presentation.
  • Multiple pregnancies
  • Womb fatigue
  • Gestational hypertension
  • Large baby, head and pelvis incompatibility and non-progressive labor
  • Womb fatigue
  • In case of blood incompatibility
  • Active HPV infection in the mother
  • Diabetes
  • It can be preferred in case the baby's cord is sagging.

Stages and Preparation for Cesarean Delivery

  • - If your cesarean section is planned, your obstetrician will give you an appointment for the 39th week of your pregnancy.
  • Before the appointment, our anesthesiologist will examine the mother.
  • Eating and drinking is stopped 6-7 hours before delivery.
  • Anesthesia is epidural or general.
  • After anesthesia, an incision about 6-8 cm in size is made in the lower abdomen.
  • After the layers are passed, the sac surrounding the baby is reached with the tip of the scalpel and the index fingers.
  • The baby is removed.
  • The cord is cut and controls are performed.
  • Placenta is removed
  • The inside of the uterus is cleaned.
  • The cut layers are checked and sutured.

How Many Types of Caesarean Section Are There?

The types of cesarean section are roughly divided into two. We can choose a cesarean section before or during labor. The important factor in this choice is the health of you and the baby. You should remember that if this method is preferred, it is the right one for you. In addition, general or spinal/epidural anesthesia can be used for cesarean section. In case of general anesthesia, the delivery is performed in a deep sleep. With epidural/spinal anesthesia, you are numbed from the waist down. So you can hold your baby immediately after the birth. We mostly prefer this method for caesarean sections.

Recovery After Cesarean Delivery?

  • The average postpartum hospital stay is 1-3 days.
  • Recovery after cesarean section is similar to normal delivery with good technique.
  • Those who have had a cesarean section are able to do their own work within 1-2 weeks.
  • Bleeding after cesarean section is less.
  • Since the uterine contraction medication (sinpitan) given after cesarean section also stimulates milk secretion, your milk will come just like a mother who gives birth normally.