How long cesarean

A C-section, or cesarean section, is the surgical delivery of a baby through incisions in the abdomen and uterus. A C-section is typically only recommended in medically necessary cases, such as in some high-risk pregnancies or when the baby is in the breech position and can't be flipped before labor begins.

On the other hand — and, in fact, far more frequently — the need for a C-section isn't obvious until a woman is well into labor. A few of the common reasons for an unplanned C-section include:. Most hospitals strive to make a cesarean delivery as family-friendly as possible, with Mom awake but appropriately numb , her partner in the room and a chance to meet, greet, cuddle and possibly breastfeed baby if you so choose right after delivery if there's no medical reason not to.

And because you aren't preoccupied with pushing or pain, you're often able to relax and marvel at the birth. Fortunately, this is a fast operation, with the procedure itself lasting just 10 minutes or less, followed by another 30 minutes or so to stitch you back up.

Whether it's a scheduled surgery or a last-minute decision, the typical C-section is straightforward and follows a tightly-scripted game plan. A C-section begins with a routine IV and anesthesia — usually an epidural or spinal block, so the lower half of your body will be numb but you'll stay awake. Then you'll be prepped by having your abdomen shaved if necessary and washed with an antiseptic solution. The operating room staff will insert a catheter into your bladder and place sterile drapes over your tummy.

Your birthing coach or partner will be outfitted in sterile garb and allowed to sit near your head and hold your hand. The emergency room staff will place a short screen blocking your vision of your abdomen, so the field remains sterile and so you don't have to watch yourself getting cut. If you're opting for a "gentle C-section," the drape will be clear; otherwise you can also ask for a mirror to watch.

Even if you don't want to see the cut, you may want to catch a glimpse of your baby as she emerges, so ask your practitioner to lift the little cutie up for a quick peek after delivery. If you're having an emergency C-section, there might not be time to numb you, in which case and fortunately this is rarely the case you'll be completely conked out with general anesthesia for the duration of the procedure. When you wake up, you may feel groggy, disoriented and possibly queasy. You also may have a sore throat from the endotracheal tube that was inserted during surgery.

Once you're either totally numb or fully asleep, the doctor will make a small incision in your lower abdomen — it may feel like your skin is being unzipped — just above your pubic hair line. With some neat suturing, the scar should be fairly unnoticeable and will fade more and more over time. Your doctor will then make another incision in the lower part of your uterus.

This may not be until the next day. Walking around can help with recovery. It can also stop blood clots and swelling in your legs. A midwife will help you the first time you get out of bed.

You may also have an injection to stop blood clots. You may need antibiotics after the operation. You may have trouble with bowel movements for a short time after the operation. It should help to drink plenty of water and eat high-fibre food. The doctor or midwife can give you more advice. When your dressing is taken off, you will be instructed to keep the wound clean and dry.

This will help it to heal faster and reduce the risk of infection. Special care for your baby after a caesarean section After a caesarean, your baby is more likely to have breathing problems and be admitted to the special care nursery for a period of time although they are usually ready to go home when you are.

Risks and complications of a caesarean section In Australia, a caesarean section is a common and relatively safe surgical procedure, but it is still major surgery. Some of the more common risks and complications include: above-average blood loss blood clots in the legs infection in the lining of the uterus a longer stay in hospital three to five days, or 72 to hours, on average pain around the wound you will be given pain relief problems with future attempts at vaginal birth a need for a caesarean section for future births complications from the anaesthetic.

First six weeks after a caesarean section After a caesarean section, women usually stay in hospital for about three to five days. Tips to help with recovery in the first six weeks include: Get as much rest as you can. Ask family or friends to help, or organise paid help if you can afford it. One way that family and friends can help is by preparing meals that can be frozen and heated up — this is more useful than giving flowers.

If you feel you need extra support at home, talk with the doctor or midwife, or maternal and child health nurse. Do not lift any weight that is heavier than your baby. Take a gentle walk every day. This can have physical and emotional health benefits.

Do your pelvic floor exercises. Regardless of the type of birth you have had, your lower abdominal muscles and pelvic floor muscles will have weakened after pregnancy, and need strengthening. Eat a healthy, high-fibre diet and drink plenty of water. Do this every day to avoid constipation. Use warmth on your wound. Warmth can have a soothing effect. Try a wheat bag or hot water bottle.

If you are breastfeeding, check that any medication you are using is safe for your baby too. Keep your wound clean and dry. Look for signs of infection such as redness, pain, swelling of the wound or bad-smelling discharge. Report these to your doctor or midwife. While some women like loose clothing, many prefer firm, high-waisted compression underwear or control briefs to offer abdominal support.

This can reduce pain and be worn for comfort for the first six weeks. Avoid sex until you feel comfortable. It is quite normal to for it to take weeks, even months, before you are ready to have sex. Numbness or itching around the scar is normal. This can last a long time for some women. Talking with other mums who have had a similar experience to you can be very helpful. Long-term health outlook after a caesarean section It is unlikely that you will have the same problem again with future pregnancies or births.

Vaginal birth after caesarean section Many women who have previously had a caesarean section can safely give birth vaginally. The benefits of VBAC are: lower risk of developing complications than with repeat elective caesarean section avoiding other risks associated with surgical procedures such as infections, deep vein thrombosis, increased blood loss faster recovery generally less risk for the baby for example, there is a decreased risk of your baby being admitted to a special care nursery for respiratory problems.

More information here. Here are the benefits and risks. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Written by Stephanie Watson — Updated on September 9, Rest Heal Pain relief Nutrition When to seek help We include products we think are useful for our readers. C-section recovery. Get plenty of rest. Baby your body. Relieve your pain. Focus on good nutrition. When to call the doctor. Parenthood Postpartum Care Post Delivery.

C-Section Cesarean Section. Read this next. Medically reviewed by Euna Chi, M. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. Medically reviewed by Nicole Galan, RN. After the birth, ask if your partner can hold the baby while you are being stitched up, if the baby can accompany you to the recovery room, and if you can breastfeed immediately.

Unless the baby or mother needs immediate medical treatment, most hospitals will accommodate parents' expressed wishes for early bonding opportunities , says Dr. On the day of the C-section, you'll likely have a pump to deliver a low dosage of a narcotic, such as morphine, as needed. Some doctors will let you eat solids, while others will have you wait 24 hours or until you pass gas, a sign that your intestines are functioning normally.

On the second day, you'll be switched from the pump to an oral painkiller. The catheter will come out, and you'll be asked to walk to the bathroom. If the nurses push you before you feel ready, they aren't being sadistic; it's always important to get your lungs and muscles working after surgery. Moore strongly recommends "as much pain medicine as you need so that you can move around as much as possible.

The second day will also bring an unusual interest in your intestinal activity. You may even feel a sensation like a humming motor inside you. This means that your intestines are getting back into gear after pain medications , which slow down your bowels. By the third or fourth day, depending on whether you're also recovering from labor, you will be sent home. If you're dead tired, push for as long a hospital stay as possible to rest. After two weeks, you'll go back to the doctor for a wound check to make sure your incision is healing well.

At six weeks, you'll have a postpartum visit. By that point, you probably feel like a parenting pro! Common C-section side effects include cramping, nausea, weakness, and fatigue. It may be uncomfortable to cough, sneeze, or even laugh.

The area around your incision will be tender for the first few weeks and you should watch it closely.