General Information

Definition. Cesarean section is an incision of the lower abdominal and uterine walls for the delivery of a baby. History records the procedure being used as long ago as 715 B.C. in Rome.

In some metropolitan centers of the United States, up to 20 percent of all deliveries are accomplished by cesarean section. The average percentage among the entire population is considerably less. Under certain circumstances, delivery by cesarean section may be safer for the baby and the mother than a prolonged labor or a difficult forceps delivery. The techniques of fetal monitoring during cesarean section allow detection of distress of the unborn child. 

At one time, the rule was "Once a section, always a section." Now, many physicians believe it is safe to try normal labor during a subsequent pregnancy before deciding on a repeat cesarean section.

Situations That May Justify the Procedure

• Fetal distress from one of many causes
• Disproportion between size of baby's head and mother's pelvic structure - the baby will not safely pass through the birth canal
• Baby in the wrong position
• Contractions of the uterus not strong enough to push baby through the birth canal
• Combination of any of the above

This type of surgery may be safely performed under local or regional anesthesia. Pubic hair is shaved. The incision opening the abdomen may be either transverse (side-to-side) or vertical (up-and-down). With the abdomen opened, another incision is made in the lower part of the uterus. All the products of conception (baby and placenta) are removed. Then the uterus and abdomen are closed surgically.
 

Important Points in Treatment

What to Expect after Surgery

Cesaeran section disrupts the usual postpartum recovery period and your usual day-to-day routine. We believe this disruption will affect your emotional stability to some degree; you may expect it. No matter how much you try to control your feelings, you will likely find that you are uncharacteristically impatient with people during this time. Some emotional instability can be expected to persist until you are able to return to your normal activities, work, and relationships. For this reason, you should devote as much energy and resolution as possible to returning quickly to your normal lifestyle.

Activity

Stay as active as your condition and state of well-being allow. Try different positions when you sit or lie down to find one most comfortable for you.

Diet

There are no specific restrictions.

General Measures

• Seek help for the psychologic or emotional factors that may complicate your postoperative recovery. You may find help within yourself or you may need to call on others. 
• Heat helps. If you have pain, place a heating pad or hot-water bottle on the abdomen or back. Hot baths frequently aid muscle relaxation and relieve discomfort, while reducing any disagreeable odor of vaginal discharge. Sit in a tub of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes. Repeat baths as often as they provide comfort. You may shower if you prefer.
• Do not douche.
• Resume sexual relations when you feel able.

We cannot separate our bodies from our minds. Try these suggestions to help you get well, stay well, or become healthier than you were before your surgery.

• Work toward achieving and maintaining a healthy state of physical fitness.
• Avoid smoking cigarettes.
• Limit intake of alcoholic beverages. Avoid completely all mood-altering, mind-altering, stimulant, or sedative drugs.
• Strive to achieve and maintain your ideal weight. If necessary, change your diet and activity level.
• Be moderate in your activities. Seek a balanced lifestyle of work, intellectual pursuits, recreation, and rest.
• Try to be of good humor when possible. Be a friend. Give and accept love.
• Keep a postive outlook on life. Good attitudes toward yourself and others are powerful allies.

Call Our Office If:

• You experience excessive bleeding (soaking a sanitary pad or tampon as often as one per hour)
• You notice a hard, warm, tender, or reddened area on a breast
• Your nipples become sore or cracked
• You develop signs of infection: fever over 100 degrees Farenheit, muscular aches, headache, dizziness, redness and swelling at the operative site, or a general feeling of ill health
• A feeling of the need for increased frequency of urination persists for longer than 1 month
• Vaginal discharge persists beyond 4 weeks after surgery and delivery
• You notice pain, red streaks, or warm areas on the calf of your leg
• You develop any other symptoms that you believe to be related to your surgery

Disclaimer: The articles and information, while with the best effort to be accurate and up-to-date, may not be. Also, every physician and medical professional holds their own views on certain diagnosis and advice. There truly are no textbook cases. It is always best to consult with your personal physician regarding medical/health related problems. The information is to be used as a general resource and not as a substitute for trained medical advice and/or treatment.