What Is a C-Section? – Definition & Indications

Cesarean section is a surgical intervention that allows the birth of a baby through the mother's abdomen.

Cesarean section has some advantages over natural childbirth, such as less suffering for the baby. However, the disadvantages of this surgical technique are greater, and, therefore, the general recommendation is to apply it only in specific cases where vaginal delivery is not possible.

The different sections of this article have been assembled into the following table of contents.

Indications

Cesarean section is a surgery to remove the baby at the time of birth through a double incision in the mother's abdomen and uterus.

In most cases, it is preferable for babies to be delivered naturally. However, the cesarean section has often saved the life of both mother and baby. As a result, it is a common practice in day-to-day hospital operations.

Cesarean section should be performed when there is a medical indication, either by the mother or the baby.

Maternal Indications

The reason for performing a cesarean section, urgently or not, is due to complications or illnesses of the mother who is going to give birth. The most common indications are as follows:

• Previous surgery on the uterine muscle or previous cesarean sections.
• Serious illness: cancer, heart disease, nephropathy, etc.
• Deformities or narrowing of the pelvis.
• Severe urinary or intestinal fistulas.
• Alterations in the cervix: tumor, infection, herpes, etc.
• Infection susceptible to transmission to the child through the birth canal (vertical transmission): HIV, herpes, etc.
• Diseases such as diabetes or hypertension that require speed in the process.
• Rupture of the uterus at the time of delivery.
• Labor stops and does not proceed.
• Insufficient cervical dilatation.

Maternal indications for cesarean section

Fetal Indications

In this case, the decision is made to perform a cesarean section due to complications in the fetus that may endanger the life of the fetus or the mother. These are as follows:

• The child is in a breech, transverse or feet-first position.
• Malformation in the fetus or Siamese twins.
• Multiple pregnancy, such as triplets.
• Previous fetal deaths.
• Placenta previa or premature detachment of the placenta.
• Cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD): the baby is too large to pass through the pelvis.
• Prolapse of the umbilical cord or when the child comes with the cord wrapped around the neck.
• Bradycardia (decreased heart rate) or any other stress indicating fetal distress.

Fetal indications for cesarean section

Some of these indications are more controversial than others, as specialists consider that there is no benefit to performing a cesarean section instead of a vaginal delivery. For example, this would be the case of multiple pregnancies.

It should not be forgotten that, although the cesarean section is a relatively safe operation, it is still a major surgical procedure, with all the risks and complications that this entails.

Types

Depending on the factor considered, it is possible to classify the types of cesarean section in different ways.

Normally, its classification is based on the shape of the abdominal incision made in the mother. On the other hand, it is also possible to differentiate the types of the cesarean section according to the time at which it is decided to do it or if the patient already had a previous cesarean section.

Cesarean section according to abdominal cut

Currently, cesarean sections are segmental, which means that the cut is made in the lower segment of the uterus, where there is less damage and faster healing. We will now discuss the 3 types that exist:

Horizontal or transverse cesarean section

is the most common one due to the advantages it offers since there is less bleeding, the opening is easy, fewer fibers are damaged, and it leaves a more resistant and less visible scar. The cut is made in the lower belly area and is known as a bikini cut.

T-shaped caesarean section

involves a double cut, one horizontal and the other vertical. The scar is more conspicuous and more difficult to repair. Although it is not common, it is performed in some cases of premature delivery, large baby, breech baby or other complications, since the opening is larger and this makes it easier for the baby to come out.

Vertical Cesarean section

this cut fragments more fibers and causes further hemorrhage. Therefore, it is not usually done, except in certain situations such as placenta previa. In addition, the scar it leaves is aesthetically very attractive.

Types of cesarean sections

On the other hand, there is another type of cesarean section that is no longer commonly practiced today: the corporal or classic cesarean section. The incision is made longitudinally and goes through the uterine musculature, which implies a larger hemorrhage and a more fragile scar.

A corporal cesarean section is only performed in cases of severe myomatosis, adhesions, programmed hysterectomy, carcinoma of the cervix, etc.

Cesarean section depending on when the decision is made

Most often, a woman does not know what her delivery is going to be like until that very moment, that is, whether it will be vaginal or cesarean. However, some situations do involve making a prior decision on whether or not to have a cesarean section.

In this section, we will distinguish the following types of cesarean section:

Emergency cesarean section

is performed in the event of a complication during pregnancy or vaginal delivery. This makes it necessary to extract the baby as soon as possible through the abdomen to avoid serious consequences that could compromise the baby's life or that of the mother.

Programmed or elective cesarean section

is performed when there is a medical indication before delivery takes place. It is usually scheduled between 37 and 38 weeks of gestation. This ensures that the child is born when it is sufficiently developed and does not affect its health or that of the mother.

It should be noted that scheduled cesarean sections are currently discouraged except in very specific cases, as the risks are very high.

Cesarean section according to obstetric history

Occasionally, some doctors decide to perform a cesarean section when women have already had a previous delivery by this surgery. The reason for this is to try to prevent the previous wound from opening during labor contractions.

In this sense, we find the following classification of the cesarean section.

Cesarean delivery

when it is the first time the woman gives birth by this procedure.

Previous cesarean section

when the woman has already given birth on a previous occasion. Therefore, this would be a second cesarean delivery.

Iterative cesarean section

when a cesarean section is performed for the third or fourth time in the woman.

Despite all this, medical studies have shown that it is not entirely true that there is a risk of reopening of the scar and, therefore, a woman could give birth by natural childbirth without any problems after a cesarean section.

Cesarean section step by step

Cesarean section is a surgical technique that requires anesthesia to avoid pain and suffering for the mother during delivery. Currently, the type of anesthesia that offers the greatest advantage is the epidural, as it allows the mother to be conscious during the birth and avoids sedation of the baby.

In the following, we will discuss all the steps of cesarean section in general:

• Epidural anesthesia is administered.
• The pelvic area is shaved.
• A sheet is placed around the waist as a window. In this way, the mother does not see the whole procedure, as she may find it somewhat unpleasant, especially because of the blood.
• The area is disinfected and the successive layers are cut until the uterine cavity is reached.
• After the water breaks, the baby is removed. It is common for the window to be removed just as the baby is taken out so that the mother can see the baby.
• The baby is brought close to the mother so that she can cuddle it.
• The placenta is removed.
• The incisions are closed with staples and/or stitches.

Cesarean section procedure for childbirth

Nowadays, surgery has advanced a lot and the whole process can take about 15-20 minutes, including the removal of the placenta. To this time it is necessary to add about 30-40 minutes more to close the uterus and the abdomen.

The relative safety of this intervention has made us forget its risks. This has led to an increase in the percentage of births by cesarean section so that the average is above the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Special care

Unlike natural childbirth, recovery from a cesarean section is more expensive and involves the mother and child spending a greater number of days in the hospital, usually about 4 days.

Some of the most important care after this operation is discussed below:

• Analgesics to relieve pain, especially during the first few days.
• Walk slowly and progressively after 24 hours to speed recovery.
• Use sanitary pads when lochia (blood loss) appears. Do not use tampons.
• The wound should be washed with soap and water daily, although iodine-based antiseptics may also be used. It is then dried well and a sterile gauze is applied over it.
• The stitches are usually removed 10 days after surgery by a physician or midwife.
• Keep the scar well hydrated with gels and creams to facilitate its deflation and subsequent disappearance. Rosehip oil is very effective for skin regeneration.
• Wear a seamless postpartum girdle for about 30 days. This will help to close all tissues well and facilitate both internal and external healing.
• Wait about 40 days before engaging in sexual intercourse or activities that require physical exertion. This is known as postpartum quarantine.

Recommendations after cesarean delivery

Risks

There is a general tendency to perform more cesarean deliveries nowadays. However, in many cases, it is completely unnecessary. It should not be forgotten that cesarean section involves major abdominal surgery and therefore presents more risks compared to vaginal delivery.

Possible complications that may arise in the mother after cesarean section are as follows:

• Hemorrhages and blood clots.
• Pain after childbirth.
• Puerperal fever: fever after childbirth.
• Appearance of a seroma: infection of the surgical wound.
• Increased likelihood of complications in future pregnancies: placenta previa or placenta accreta.

On the other hand, there are also some risks for the baby born by cesarean section:

• Respiratory problems if the cesarean section is scheduled before 39 weeks.
• Broncoaspiration of amniotic fluid.
• Laceration or cut with the scalpel.
• He spends more time away from his mother during the first days, which makes it difficult to create a bond between the two.

In addition, the hospital stay and recovery from the cesarean section are longer and more complicated than those of vaginal delivery. Therefore, it is vitally important that physicians practice safe medicine and perform cesarean section only when vaginal delivery poses a real risk.

FAQs from users

When is natural childbirth recommended and when is cesarean delivery recommended?

Childbirth is the most special and awaited moment for most pregnant women. Delivery can be done vaginally or by cesarean section.

The most physiological route is the vaginal route. However, there are circumstances in which delivery by cesarean section is indicated to safeguard the health of the mother and fetus.

There are 3 types of cesarean section:

Elective cesarean section

is performed in the presence of some maternal or fetal pathology such as placenta previa, breech, transverse or oblique presentation, fetal macrosomia, active infections of the birth canal, 2 previous cesarean sections, some cases of growth disturbance and multiple gestations.

The indicated cesarean section

is recommended in the course of labor for various alterations such as arrested dilatation or descent, cephalopelvic disproportion, arrested labor, etc.

Cesarean section

is recommended in the course of labor for various alterations such as arrested dilatation or descent, cephalo-pelvic disproportion, arrested labor, etc.

Urgent cesarean section

is one in which the life of the mother and fetus is in danger as a result of a serious acute pathology.

Is it common for twin births to be by cesarean section?

Although it is true that many multiple births are by cesarean section, this does not have to be the case. As with single births, it will depend on the situation and medical recommendations.

What are the indications for a cesarean section?

The general course of action at the end of a pregnancy is natural childbirth and a cesarean section will only be performed in certain situations such as the following:

• Abnormal heart rate of the baby
• Position of the baby that hinders natural childbirth
• Developmental problems of the baby such as spina bifida or hydrocephalus
• Some cases of multiple pregnancies
• Genital infection of the mother
• Serious illness of the mother
• That the natural delivery is prolonged too long
• Placenta praevia or placental abruption
• Prolapse of the umbilical cord

In general, any situation that endangers the life of the baby or the mother will be indicative of a cesarean section.

Can cesarean section be performed under general anesthesia?

It is usual and recommended to perform the cesarean section under local anesthesia so that the mother can participate in the birth of her child and have direct contact with it from the very moment it begins its extrauterine life. However, there are risky cases in which the doctor may recommend the use of general anesthesia.

Can tubal ligation be done at the same time as a cesarean section?

Yes, in fact, it is something that many women do. It is a way of taking advantage of the abdominal cut from the cesarean section to do the definitive sterilization. In addition, the recovery from the cesarean section is the same whether it is done with or without tubal ligation.

Is it possible to have hemorrhoids after cesarean delivery?

It is not common, as hemorrhoids appear as a consequence of the great efforts made by the mother in a natural childbirth. The force of pushing causes dilatation of the rectal veins which protrude through the anus in the form of hemorrhoids.

What can I eat after a cesarean section?

As a general rule, the woman will be able to start drinking liquids and eating light food about 6-8 hours after the procedure. We refer to bland foods such as vegetable puree or soup. Gradually, the physician will introduce more foods during the hospital stay.

Once at home, the woman should follow a soft and healthy diet, with plenty of fruits and vegetables to avoid constipation.

It is also very important to avoid foods that cause gas, such as legumes, dairy products, and some vegetables. Eating slowly and chewing well also helps to avoid the gas that tends to accumulate after abdominal surgery, which is very uncomfortable.

Recommended readings

If you want to learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of cesarean birth compared to vaginal birth, you can continue reading in the following post: Which is better: natural childbirth or cesarean?

Once you have given birth, the baby's breastfeeding period will begin. To get all the information you need on this subject, we recommend you to read the following article: Infant feeding.