What is Caesarean Delivery?
Caesarean section, also known as C-section, is a surgical procedure for the baby’s delivery. The surgeon makes an incision in the abdomen and uterus during this procedure. This treatment is generally considered when the vaginal delivery is unsafe for the mother, fetus, or both.
Ceasarean section can be a planned and emergency C-section. Let’s have a quick overview of both kinds.
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What is a Planned C-Section?
A planned C-section or elective cesarean is provided when your doctor or midwife finds out that C-section is better for you. As the name suggests, this treatment is planned and scheduled like other regular surgeries. A C-section is generally provided when your baby changes position near the birth canal.
What is an Emergency C-Section?
An emergency cesarean section is an unplanned operation generally performed when there is a threat to the mother’s or fetus’s life. The duration between the decision to perform an emergency C-section and the surgical procedure is called the decision to delivery interval, which usually includes preparation time, anesthetic time, and skin incision.
Common Reasons for C-Section
You may need C-section surgery for the following reasons.
- Prolonged labor, also called stalled labor
- Fetal distress
- Abnormal positioning of the fetus
- Birth defects
- Chronic health conditions
- Cord Prolapse
- Carrying multiples
What is the Procedure of a Caesarean Delivery?
The cesarean section is an inpatient surgical procedure. Here are the details of what to expect from this treatment.
What To Expect Before C-Section Surgery?
The emergency C-section delivery doesn’t involve any pre-treatment care steps; you must arrive at the hospital or clinic as soon as possible so the surgeon can start the procedure.
On the other hand, the case of planned caesarean delivery is different. It involves multiple pre-treatment care steps, which are discussed below.
- The medical staff will explain the C-section procedure in detail.
- You will meet an anesthesia expert to discuss the type of anesthetic solution used before the procedure.
- The medical staff will check your blood pressure, temperature, and pulse rate.
- They will clip the hair in the treatment area.
- Your bladder will be emptied with the help of a catheter.
- Heart and blood pressure monitors will be applied.
What Is Involved in The Caesarean Section Procedure?
- The anesthesia expert will administer general anesthesia before the procedure. This will help you remain asleep during the operation.
- The surgeon will make an incision in the abdominal wall. This incision can be vertical, from the belly button to the public hairline. Or, it can be a horizontal incision across the hair line in the lower abdomen area.
- Then, they will make an incision in the uterus. The surgeon will use one of several techniques of uterine incision, depending on the fetus’s position and the complications’ risks.
- After the incisions have been made, the doctor will deliver the baby. They will clear the baby’s mouth and nose of fluids and cut the umbilical cord. Then, they will remove the placenta and close the incision using sutures.
What to Expect After the Procedure?
Your doctor will encourage you to drink water and walk around the clinic’s premises once the anesthesia wears off. The purpose is to prevent deep vein thrombosis and constipation. The medical team will monitor your incisions for any infection signs. The bladder catheter is usually removed as soon as you can urinate normally.
You can start breastfeeding soon after you come out of the anesthesia effect. You may ask a lactation expert or nurse to adjust your position to support your baby during breastfeeding comfortably. Your doctor will prescribe pain medications keeping lactation requirements in mind.
You may need to remain hospitalized for 2-3 days, depending on the pace of your initial recovery from the procedure.
Post-Delivery Care at Home
You can expect some discomfort and fatigue during the C-section recovery phase. Here are some tips to help you speed up the recovery process.
- Ensure to rest as much as possible. Avoid lifting anything above 25 pounds for the first few weeks. When lying on the bed, try to keep everything you need in easy access.
- Use pain medication prescribed by your doctor. The doctor may also recommend using a heating pad to reduce discomfort. That said, make sure not to use any pain medication your doctor hasn’t prescribed.
- Your doctor will probably recommend avoiding sex for at least six weeks after the C-section.
Moreover, check your incisions every so often for signs of infection. Contact your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms:
- Red, swollen incision area or leaking discharge
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Fever
- Worsening of pain
Caesarian Section FAQs
What are the risks of cesarean birth?
A C-section is major surgery, so it does carry some risks. Here is a brief overview of some risks associated with this procedure.
Infection in the surgery wound: This infection may cause excessive redness, swelling, pain, and fluid discharge from the wound.
Infection in the womb lining: Symptoms of this infection include abnormal vaginal discharge, fever, abdominal pain, and vaginal bleeding.
Fortunately, these risks are preventable with antibiotics. Antibiotics are also effective in lessening the impact of these infections.
How Long Does a Cesarean Surgery Take?
A C-section typically takes 45 minutes. After the baby's delivery is complete, the surgeon will use dissolvable stitches and sutures to close the uterus and abdominal wall incisions.
Request an Appointment
A C-section can be your best bet if your doctor thinks normal baby delivery is risky in your case. However, it is imperative to choose a qualified gynecologist for this procedure. Euromed Clinic Dubai has a state-of-the-art gynecology department run by highly skilled doctors. Please fill out the form below for more information or to book a consultation.

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Dr. Sana Azeem
Physician Specialist Obstetrics and GynecologyDr. Sana Azeem is a specialist gynecologist and obstetrician licensed by DHA. She is skillful in performing different surgeries, OPD treatments, as well as aesthetic gynecology procedures.
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