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Most of the time, the incision goes across your belly, from 1 side to the other, an inch or 2 above your pubic hair.If you are bleeding a lot or your baby is in danger, the incision might go up and down. This kind of incision is sometimes the fastest way to get the baby out.After opening your belly, the doctor will make an opening in your uterus and remove the baby. Then the doctor will cut the umbilical cord and take out the placenta.Finally, the doctor will close your uterus and belly with stitches and staples.
How long does it take to get better after the surgery? " � Within a few hours, you will be able to move around, and eat and drink. Most women go home after 3 days, but will have some pain. Women who work can go back to work in about 6 weeks. � �
Are there risks of having a c-section? " � Yes. Compared to a vaginal delivery, c-sections are more likely to cause: � �
- Harm to the bladder, blood vessels, intestines, and other nearby organs
- Infection
- Blood clots that can block blood vessels
- Lost bonding time between mother and baby
- A longer time for the mother to heal after the birth
- Problems with the placenta and uterus in later pregnancies
- Trouble breathing for the newborn. This usually lasts for just a short time.
Your doctor can help you decide if the risks of surgery are worth taking for you. � �
What symptoms will I have while I 'm getting better? " � For the first few weeks, it is common to have: � �
- Mild cramps in your belly
- Light bleeding and yellowish fluids coming out of your vagina
- Pain where the incision was made
Call your doctor if: � �
- You have a fever higher than 100.4 � �F (38 � �C)
- Your pain gets worse
- Your vaginal bleeding gets heavier
- The incision in your belly gets more sore or red, or is bleeding or leaking fluid
If I have a c-section, will all of my future deliveries have to be c-sections? " � Not anymore. Today, many women have vaginal births after c-sections. This is called a "VBAC. " � If the cut in your uterus in the first c-section went from side to side (instead of up to down), you have a good chance of being able to have a vaginal birth with your next baby. Ask your doctor if a trial of labor is possible for you. � �
All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. � �
This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. � �
Topic 15611 Version 7.0 � �
Release: 22.8 - C22.206 � �
� � 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �
figure 1
Cesarean delivery
During a c-section, the doctor makes an incision in the belly and then the uterus. The baby comes out through that incision, rather than through the vagina.
Graphic 63791 Version 4.0
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Cesarean delivery
During a c-section, the doctor makes an incision in the belly and then the uterus. The baby comes out through that incision, rather than through the vagina.
Graphic 63791 Version 4.0
View Original
figure 2
Pregnancy terms
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Pregnancy terms
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