The operation used to deliver a baby through its mother’s abdominal wall. It is performed when the risks to mother or child of vaginal delivery are thought to outweigh the problems associated with operative delivery. An elective section is one that is preplanned because of a known hazard; an emergency section is one performed urgently because a complication has developed suddenly which threatens the safety of mother or baby. One of the most common reasons for Caesarean section is ‘disproportion’ between the size of the fetal head and the maternal pelvis.
A cesarean section, also known as C-section, is a surgical procedure in which a baby is delivered from the mother’s uterus through either a horizontal or, less commonly, a vertical incision made in the abdomen. This method is employed when vaginal delivery poses difficulties or potential risks to the mother or the baby. In addition to medical reasons, an increasing number of women are choosing to undergo a cesarean section without experiencing labor, based on their personal preferences.
A caesarean section can be conducted with the administration of either epidural anesthesia or general anesthesia, depending on the specific circumstances and the preference of the medical team. The step-by-step procedure for performing a caesarean section is depicted in the illustrated box, which can be found on the opposite page for reference.
Following the caesarean section, the mother is provided with analgesic drugs (painkillers) as needed to manage any discomfort. If there are no complications, both the mother and the baby can typically be discharged from the hospital approximately one week after the surgery. This timeline allows for proper recovery and ensures that both mother and baby are in stable condition before transitioning to home care.