Caesarean section
Caesarean section , also known as C-section , or caesarean delivery , is the surgical procedure by which a baby is delivered through an incision in the mother's abdomen , often performed because vaginal delivery would put the baby or mother at risk. Reason for this may include:
Obstructed labor
Twin pregnancy
High blood pressure of mother
Breech presentation
Placenta related abnormalities etc.
Steps for c- section care
1. A caesarean section
the decision for caesarean can arise before labor, often called planned or scheduled caesarean.
The decision also happend in labour due to prolonged labor, malposition of baby, mother or baby is not tolerating the labor etc; it is called unplanned caesarean. Sometimes it is an emergency in situations like placental abruption or uncontrolled bleeding etc.
2. Caesarean section surgery begins
After receiving spinal or epidural anesthesia, you will be ready for surgery. Powerful numbness occurs quickly and effectively. The mother has been draped with sterile drapes and make initial incision on mothers abdomen. The room will be preparing with instruments and preparing the warmer for the baby.
3. Multiple layers of incision
There are multiple layers that must go through before reaching the baby. All in all from start of surgery to birth of the baby may take 5 to 10 minutes.
4. Suctioning amniotic fluid
When the doctor reaches the uterus there will be suctioning of amniotic fluid.
5. Baby's head is born
Baby is usually engaged in the pelvis. Whatever part have entered into the pelvis will be lifted out by the doctor. Once the head is out doctor will suction the baby's nose and mouth for fluids. Extra suctioning required if there is meconium.
6. Dislodging the baby's head and shoulders
the surgeon will maneuver the back and forth to born. Once the baby is suctioned well the doctor will start to help the rest of the body to born. Then check for umbilical cord entanglement or other complications.
7. Baby's body born
The baby will be held over the drape to show the mother and then taken away to warmer. Here the baby will be suctioned again and also have basic care like weighing , measuring, vitamin K etc.
The repair of the uterus and other layers that were cut during the surgery need to complete. During this time placenta will also removedand examined by the doctor. This is the longest part of c- section which takes about 45 to 60 minutes to complete.
8. Wound care
After everything finished surgically the surgeon will suture or staple the incision shut. It will be covered with a bandage.
patient will be watched in the post - op area for atleast an hour to ensure that your vital signs are stable and the patient is not bleeding too heavily.
patient will then taken to post partum room and remain their for usually 4 days.
Postoperative caesarean section care
1. Lochia
Patient experience heavy bleeding of bright red blood called Lochia and can continue upto 6 weeks . In most cases the bleeding may stip during 3- 4weeks , but the discharge may be continue for 6 weeks. Lochia will change over time to pale pink or a dark red color, and eventually to a yellowish or light color.
2. Incision care
Keep the area dry and clean
Use warm , soapy water to clean the incision daily . Pat the area dry after cleaning.
If the doctor used tape strips on the incision let them fall off on their own. This usually takes about a week.
Monitor for increased body temperature , foul smellong from the wound or persistent drainage indicate signs of infection.
3. Signs and symptoms of infection
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