Delivering Your Baby by Cesar... Health Article

Surgery will begin shortly after you receive anesthesia. Most cesareans are completed in less than an hour. During the birth, your health care team is with you, ready to take care of you and your newborn. Your partner may also be with you for the birth.

Right Before Surgery

Both your partner and the health care provider giving the anesthesia may be seated near your head. Your arms will be out to your sides and may be gently restrained. Your doctor and a nurse will be next to your abdomen.

Making the Incisions

In a cesarean birth, incisions are made in both the skin and the uterus. Either incision may be transverse (from side to side) or vertical. Your skin and uterine incisions may differ. Be sure they are noted in your health records.

• The skin incision is usually transverse. It is located about two finger-widths above the pubic bone, at the hairline. A vertical incision may be used if you've had one before or if the cesarean needs to be done quickly.

• The abdominal muscles are parted to reach the uterus.

• The uterine incision is almost always transverse. A transverse incision heals very well. This allows for a future vaginal birth (VBAC). In certain cases, a vertical uterine incision may be made.

Risks of Cesarean

As with any surgery, cesarean birth has risks. Some of them are listed below. Your doctor will discuss the risks of cesarean with you.

• Skin, lung, or pelvic infection

• Blood clots

• Excess bleeding

• Injury to nearby organs

• Poor reaction to anesthesia

Your Baby's Birth

Once the incisions are made, the doctor presses on the top of your abdomen. This helps guide the baby out of your uterus. If you are awake, you'll hear your infant's first  cries. The cord will be clamped and cut. Then the placenta is lifted out through the incision.

Taking Care of You

After your baby's birth, the uterine incision is closed with stitches. (These will later be absorbed by your body.) Your skin incision will be closed with staples or stitches, and a dressing will be applied. You will be given medications to help shrink your uterus and decrease bleeding. You may also receive antibiotics to reduce any risk of infection. Your doctor will press on your uterus. This helps expel blood clots through the vagina.

Taking Care of Your Baby

While your surgery is completed, your baby will be placed in an infant warmer. Gentle suction will be used to help remove excess fluid from the baby's mouth and airways. Then the APGAR score will be done. This rates baby's appearance (color), pulse (heart rate), grimace (muscle reflex), activity, and r espiration. Your baby will be wrapped in a blanket and brought to you. Now, for the first time, you'll see your newborn.