What is C-section or cesarean?
In ancient times, normal delivery was the only known method of delivery. Over time, with revolutions in medicine and healthcare, various new techniques were introduced for different procedures. Caesarean section or C-section is one significant procedure developed in the area of childbirth. In C-section, a cut is made in the tummy and the womb of the mother, and the baby is taken out from the mother’s womb.

What is the procedure?
A series of steps are carried out to ensure successful delivery of the baby with the help of the cesarean operation.

• First, the doctor talks to the mother and ensures that she is in an active state of mind. It is essential that she does not panic during the procedure.
• The mother is given anesthesia in such a way that the abdominal area, and the surrounding structures, are anesthetized. It ensures that the mother is fine during the procedure.
• The health status is continuously monitored, which includes the heart rate, rhythm, blood pressure as well as the blood oxygen levels.
• Once the areas are anesthetized, the doctor makes a cesarean incision in the area of the lower abdomen and uterus.
• The baby is pulled out, and then the doctor removes the placenta. The uterus is then closed with the aid of stitches to heal.

This is the procedure for a standard or ideal cesarean operation. In cases of complications, doctors take further precautions to save the lives of the mother and child both.

When is a C-section recommended?
Whenever a medical procedure is recommended, there must be several reasons in favor of it. Doctors recommend cesarean section for delivery when the baby’s head is not in the usual downward direction. This can be detected in the sonography. Also, there are cases where it becomes difficult to have a natural labor. This is a situation which makes C-section an option for delivery. The health status of the mother and child are one of the major factors which decide whether to go for this procedure or not. In case the mother had an earlier unsuccessful natural delivery, then the patient herself can opt for a cesarean birth. This ensures increased chances of success and reduced mishaps. The cesarean birth is a planned procedure, and the patient does not have to wait for the natural labor to occur.

What are the risks?
There are various risks which are associated with the cesarean delivery. The risks can affect the mother as well as the baby. Here are some of the significant risks linked to the cesarean birth:

• Hemorrhage: Hemorrhage is one of the most common risks linked with cesarean section. During C-section, a lot of blood loss occurs, which it makes highly risky for the health of the mother. In case of multiple deliveries, hemorrhagic problems are quite common.
• Respiratory problems for the baby: C-section surgeries are often undertaken due to emergencies. Therefore, babies born in these operations are seen to have respiratory problems. When the baby is taken out from the mother’s womb, he or she may face difficulty in breathing. Most of the times, these babies require breathing assistance after birth.
• Infection: Infection is a major side effect that can manifest in women who undergo a cesarean section. The path of occurrence of infection is usually from the site of the incision in the abdomen to uterus infections after the delivery of the baby. Therefore, doctors inject antibiotics in women who are about to undergo a cesarean operation. This ensures that the occurrence of infection is reduced to a certain extent.

Things to keep in mind while considering a cesarean section for your child delivery:

• Discuss with your doctor before you choose a method for the delivery of your baby.
• You may have decided beforehand to opt for a normal or vaginal delivery procedure. But your doctor might recommend a cesarean birth due to certain issues with you or your baby’s health. So do take your doctor’s advice seriously, and adjust your plans accordingly.
• Stay strong. You need to have mental strength before, during and after your delivery.