One may need a cesarean section if they have underlying medical conditions. Or you can also get a C-section if complications take place during labor in a vaginal delivery. 

Here are the conditions that promote the occurrence of a planned C-section:

• Previous C-section: while you can still undergo a vaginal birth after a previous cesarean section, not everyone can do it. Factors determining your eligibility include the risk of uterine rupture and the type of uterine incision utilized in the previous surgery. 

• Cephalopelvic disproportion: also known as CDP, refers to a situation where the body or head of the baby is too big to pass the pelvis safely. Consequently, your pelvis could also be too small to allow the passage of a normal-sized baby. 

• Placenta Previa includes a condition where the placenta is attached too low in the uterus. Thus, this blocks the baby’s exit through the cervix.

• The breech presentation involves a situation where your baby’s bottom or feet are positioned first in your uterus. While some medical practitioners may attempt to turn the baby to the correct position, a C-section will be necessary if the attempt is unsuccessful. 

• Expecting multiples: typically, twins can be delivered normally. But, some circumstances, like pre-term birth, might call for a C-section. Also, cesarean sections will be performed on mothers expecting more than two babies. 

• Health conditions: some health conditions, such as heart disease, may worsen during labor for vaginal birth. Therefore, a C-section will be preferred. Additionally, other conditions like genital herpes will call for a C-section. 

• A transverse lie includes a situation where the baby lies sideways or horizontally in the uterus. 

On the other hand, an unplanned C-section delivery will be recommended if any of the following conditions come up during your labor: 

• Umbilical cord prolapses
• Fetal Distress
• Umbilical cord compression
• Placental abruption
• Failure of labor progression

Recovering from a Section: Important Things to Know

Like any other surgery, a cesarean section involves a major surgery that can be challenging, especially if you are not mentally prepared for it. Thus, C-section recovery must be taken seriously. Normally, women will spend about 3-4 days in the hospital after a C-section. You will experience pain, but this can be reduced by taking painkillers. 

While your cesarean section pain depletes, your incision might feel sore and painful, especially when you sneeze, laugh or cough. Therefore, you must be extra careful not to put any extra strain on your tummy muscles. This means that you must avoid lifting anything heavier than your child. Nevertheless, you can put some little and gentle pressure on your incision with an abdominal binder, your hands, or a pillow to help relieve some pain. You can also utilize ice for the swollen abdomen. 

You can get a postpartum support band to help you recover post-op. The belly band can be worn immediately after the cesarean section surgery to help hasten recovery. The belly band helps increase blood circulation at your surgical site, hold your tummy muscles together, and support your surgical incision, which decreases swelling and boosts healing. Talking to your doctor before using a belly belt or band after a C-section is advisable.

Have you or a loved one had a C-Section?

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