C-Section Specialist

What is a C-section?

A C-section, or cesarean delivery, is a procedure during which you deliver your baby through incisions that your surgeon makes through your abdomen and uterus. You may plan for your C-section, or you may have to have an emergency C-section.

How do C-sections work?

Before starting a planned C-section, your surgeon anesthetizes you from the waist down, using either an epidural or a spinal block. Then, they connect you to an IV with fluids, hook you up to a heart rate and pulse monitor, and insert a catheter into your bladder so that it stays empty throughout the procedure.

Once you’re set up, they place a screen in front of your waist so you can’t see as they make their incisions, and so that it stays sterile.

Your doctor cuts vertically or horizontally across your stomach into your abdomen wall, then makes a three to four-inch incision in the wall of your uterus. From there, they pull the baby out.

Once your baby is officially born, they cut the umbilical cord, remove your placenta, and stitch you up.

Why might I plan a C-section?

You may need a C-section for a few different reasons, which typically relate to health and safety. Some of the most common scenarios that prompt you to plan a C-section concern:

Positioning

If your baby is breech (positioned deliver feet first), or lying horizontally, you’ll likely have to plan a C-section.

Cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD)

CPD is when your baby’s head is too big to fit through your pelvis, or your pelvis is too small for regular delivery.

Multiple pregnancy

If you’re carrying two or more fetuses, you might need a C-section. However, you can often deliver twins vaginally.

Previous C-section

If you’ve had a C-section in the past, attempting to give birth vaginally puts you at risk for uterine rupture. Also, depending on the type of uterine incision you had, a vaginal birth may not be an option at all.

Placenta previa

This means that your placenta blocks your baby’s exit through the cervix because it’s attached too low on the uterine wall.

Health concerns

You might plan a C-section if you have health issues like a heart condition or brain condition, or if you have an active genital herpes infection.

Often, the need for a C-section only becomes apparent after you’ve already begun labor. You might need an emergency C-section if you experience stalled labor, your baby is in distress, or if a loop of the umbilical comes out of your cervix ahead of your baby.

If you’re planning for your delivery, and you have questions about C-sections, schedule an appointment with the experienced team at Alliance OB/GYN today.