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Although Cesarean (C-sections) are relatively safe surgical
procedures, they should only be performed in appropriate medical
circumstances. Some of the most common reasons for a Cesarean
are:
- If the baby is in a feet first (breech) position
- If the baby is in a shoulder first (transverse) position
- If the baby’s head is too large to fit through the birth
canal
- If labor is prolonged and the mother’s cervix will not dilate
to 10 centimeters
- If the mother has placenta previa, where the placenta is
blocking the birth canal
- If there are signs of fetal distress which is when the fetus is
in danger because of decreased oxygen flow to the fetus
Some common causes of fetal distress are:
- Compression of the umbilical cord
- Compression of major blood vessels in the mother’s abdomen
because of her birthing position
- Maternal illness due to hypertension, anemia, or heart
disease
Like many surgical procedures, Cesarean sections require
anesthesia. Usually, the mother is given an epidural or a spinal
block. Both of these will numb the lower body, but the mother will
remain awake. If the baby has to be delivered quickly, as in an
emergency, the mother may be given a general anesthetic, which will
make her fall asleep.
During the surgery, an incision is made in the lower abdomen
followed by an incision made in the uterus. There is no pain
associated with either of these incisions because of the
anesthesia. Once the uterus is open, the doctor will let the
amniotic fluid drain from the amniotic sac. Then the baby is
carefully eased through the incision and out into the world. The
procedure usually lasts about ten minutes.
Afterward, the physician delivers the placenta and stitches up
the incisions in the uterus and abdominal wall. Usually, the mother
is allowed to leave the hospital within a week, barring
complications.
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