What is a C-Section (Caesarean Delivery)?
Gynecologist, Manipal Dwarka, 32 years of experience
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Meaning of C-Section (Caesarean Delivery)
A C-section, also known as Caesarean delivery, is a procedure in which a doctor delivers a baby through incisions in the mother’s abdomen and uterus instead of delivery through the vagina. In some cases, C-section/ Caesarean Operation can be pre-planned if the woman develops some complications during the pregnancy. The doctor may inform in advance to reduce the risk for both mother and baby. Usually, caesarean deliveries are avoided before 39 weeks of pregnancy or full-term. However, if some complications arise, then the baby is delivered through caesarean delivery before 39 weeks.
In this article, we will discuss in detail about caesarean delivery and care after caesarean delivery.
- Why is a C-section/ Caesarean Operation done?
- Preparation before a C-section/ Caesarean Operation
- How is a C-section/ Caesarean Operation performed?
- Care after C-section/ Caesarean Operation
- What is the cost of C-section/ Caesarean Operation in India?
Why is a C-section/ Caesarean Operation done?
If pregnant women have difficulty in a normal delivery, i.e. there is a danger to the life of the mother or the baby, then the doctor may resort to a caesarean operation. A caesarean operation may also be done because of complications during labor. Then, it is called an emergency C section delivery. Apart from this, a Caesarean operation may also be done if the pregnant woman’s vagina is not fit for delivery.
There may be some other factors for which the doctor can perform a cesarean operation. They are:
- The baby’s head is too big (Macrocephaly)
- The baby has developmental conditions
- If the mother has health problems like BP, sugar, heart disease, etc
- The woman has already had a cesarean operation
- If the mother has an active infection in the birth canal it could spread to the baby.
- Having more than one child in the womb. ( Know more about- What is Pelvic inflammatory disease and its treatments?)
- Any complication with the placenta such as placenta previa (placenta covering the opening of the cervix) or accreta (placenta growing deeply into the uterine wall)
- If the baby is coming out shoulder first
- If the baby is coming out feet first
- Decreased oxygen supply to the baby
- If the mother has a large fibroid obstructing the birth canal. ( Know more about- What are uterine fibroids? )
- If the labor isn’t progressing
- Prolapse of the umbilical cord.
Preparation before a C-section/ Caesarean Operation
Some of the following preparations should be done before cesarean surgery. As advised by your gynecologist:
- Get a blood test done
- Check for an anesthesia permit
- Plan the surgery
- Take medicines as prescribed by the doctor
- Do not eat anything before surgery.
The day of surgery:
- Carry out a general examination
- Keep the doctor’s words in mind
- A catheter will be placed in the urethra before the procedure. Apart from this, the hair around the genital area is removed ( Know more about- What are diagnostic laparoscopic gynecological procedures ?)
- An IV line will be established.
How is a C-section/ Caesarean Operation performed?
- After all the preparations are done, usually regional anaesthesia (spinal or epidural anaesthesia) is given to the patient to numb the area. The doctor makes an incision in the lower abdomen of the pregnant woman. It is also called a bikini cut. Usually, this incision is horizontal. But in severe cases, it can be vertical also.
- When the uterus becomes visible after the incisions are made in the abdomen, the doctor takes out the baby by making an incision on the uterus.
- The umbilical cord is cut through the middle, after clamping both the ends. After this, the baby is handed over to the nurse so that she can clean the baby properly. Then the mother can hold the baby.
- Later, the placenta is taken out.
- The time duration from the abdominal incision to the birth of the foetus is typically 5 minutes.
- The whole procedure typically takes 45 – 60 minutes.
- After the surgery, the incision is closed with sutures.
There are many specialized hospitals and gynecologists in India where high-risk pregnancy management and c section deliveries are done with great success. Other female procedures like ovarian cysts removal surgery, uterine fibroids treatment, and cervical cancer treatments are done with great success too. (Know more about- What is Ovarian Cyst Removal Surgery? Causes, Procedure, After Care)
Care after a C-section/ Caesarean Operation
- The woman should take special care of herself after the caesarean operation. After surgery, the woman must stay in the hospital for 3 to 4 days so that the doctor can monitor her condition.
- Ideally, breastfeeding must be started immediately, within an hour of the surgery, or soon after. The mother is taught about exclusive breastfeeding of the infant for 6 months.
- The stitches on the uterus dissolve. But the stitches made on the stomach are removed after a few days.
- A nurse regularly monitors the woman’s condition for recovery. If the baby is healthy, he/she can stay in the recovery room with the mother.
- The mother should drink plenty of water and other fluids.
- The mother is encouraged to walk.
- After surgery, if the mother is not able to eat or drink anything on her own, then fluids can be given through an IV.
- After having cesarean surgery, the woman needs a lot of rest. Taking adequate rest is essential for recovery that helps reduce future complications.
- The doctor can give pain relievers to reduce pain at the site of the incision.
- Keep the wound clean and dry. To clean the wound, wash it with mild soap and then clean it with a light hand.
- Vaccinations for the baby are to be taken care of and given as per the schedule informed by the doctor. ( Know more about- What is DPT Vaccine? )
- Follow the doctor’s instructions after going home and visit the doctor regularly if any abnormality occurs.
- Full recovery may take 6-8 weeks.
What is the cost of C-section/ Caesarean Operation in India?
The total cost of C-section/ Caesarean Operation in India can range from around INR 1,25,000 to INR 2,50,000. There are many big hospitals and skilled doctors in India who conduct C-section/ Caesarean Operation. But the cost varies across different hospitals.
If you are coming from abroad, then along with the treatment cost, there will be an additional cost of staying in a hotel, the cost of living, and the cost of local travel. Apart from this, after surgery, the patient is kept in the hospital for 7 days and in the hotel for a few days for complete recovery. So, the total cost of C-section/ Caesarean Operation is around INR 1,60,000 to INR 3,20,000.
We hope we were able to answer questions pertaining to Caesarean delivery (C-Section) through this article.
You can contact a Gynecologist for more information and treatment of C-section/ Caesarean Operation.
We only aim to give you information through the article. We do not recommend medication or treatment in any way. Only a doctor can give you the best advice and treatment plan.
