When is cesarean done

You may be able to plan and schedule your Cesarean. Or, you may have it done because of problems during labor. Abnormal fetal heart rate. The fetal heart rate during labor is a good sign of how well the fetus is doing. Your provider will monitor the fetal heart rate during labor. The normal rate varies between to beats per minute.

If the fetal heart rate shows there may be a problem, your provider will take immediate action. This may be giving the mother oxygen, increasing fluids, and changing the mother's position. Abnormal position of the fetus during birth. The normal position for the fetus during birth is head-down, facing the mother's back.

Sometimes a fetus is not in the right position. This makes delivery more difficult through the birth canal. Problems with labor. Labor that fails to progress or doesn't progress the way it should. Size of the fetus. The baby is too large for your provider to deliver vaginally.

Placenta problems. This includes placenta previa, in which the placenta blocks the cervix. Premature detachment from the fetus is known as abruption. Certain conditions in the mother, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or HIV infection. After a C-section, a woman may not be able to have a vaginal birth in a future pregnancy. It will depend on the type of uterine incision used. Vertical scars of the uterus are not strong enough to hold together during labor contractions, so a repeat C-section is necessary.

Use this visit to ask questions about your recovery and caring for your baby. Explore Mayo Clinic studies of tests and procedures to help prevent, detect, treat or manage conditions.

Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Cesarean delivery C-section is a surgical procedure used to deliver a baby through incisions in the abdomen and uterus. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Abdominal incisions used during C-sections Open pop-up dialog box Close.

Abdominal incisions used during C-sections A C-section includes an abdominal incision and a uterine incision. Uterine incisions used during C-sections Open pop-up dialog box Close. Uterine incisions used during C-sections A C-section includes an abdominal incision and a uterine incision. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Berghella V.

Cesarean delivery: Preoperative planning and patient preparation. Accessed May 17, Nixon N, et al. Anesthesia for cesarean delivery. Berghella V. Cesarean delivery: Surgical technique. Cesarean delivery: Postoperative issues. Frequently asked questions. Labor, delivery, and postpartum care FAQ At prenatal appointments with your doctor, discuss your risk factors for a cesarean delivery and what you can do to lower them.

Make sure all of your questions are answered, and that you understand what could happen if you need to have an emergency cesarean delivery before your due date. Because a cesarean delivery takes additional time to recover from than normal birth, arranging to have an extra set of hands around the house will be helpful.

Not only will you be recovering from surgery, but your new baby will need some attention as well. This allows doctors to administer fluids and any type of medications you may need. You will also have a catheter put in to keep your bladder empty during the surgery. When you have been properly medicated and numbed, your doctor will make an incision just above the pubic hairline. This is typically horizontal across the pelvis. In emergency situations, the incision may be vertical.

Once the incision into your abdomen has been made and the uterus is exposed, your doctor will make an incision into the uterus. Your doctor will first tend to your baby by clearing their nose and mouth of fluids and clamping and cutting the umbilical cord.

Your baby will then be given to hospital staff and they will make sure your baby is breathing normally and prepare your baby to be put into your arms. Your doctor will repair your uterus with dissolving stitches and close your abdominal incision with sutures. This type of incision is usually only used for extreme emergencies or in specific situations, such as if the placenta is lying very low, if your baby is lying sideways or if your baby is very small.

It can increase the chance of having problems in later pregnancies and births. Preparing for a caesarean section To prepare for your caesarean section: You will need to fast. That means no food or drink, including water, for six hours before a planned caesarean. If you are having an emergency caesarean, the doctor will ask you when you last had any food or drink so they know how to proceed with your operation.

You will have blood tests taken. You may have a support person with you, unless there are serious complications or you need a general anaesthetic.

It is generally possible for someone to take photos of your baby being born, so ask your support person to bring a camera if they have one.

If you have any special preferences, talk to your doctor or midwife beforehand, so they can try to support your choices. If the doctor believes you are at increased risk of blood clots, you may be measured for compression stockings to wear during the operation. The theatre team will clean your abdomen with antiseptic and cover it with sterile cloths to reduce the risk of infection. In many hospitals, the hair around the area to be cut is shaved so that it is easier to clean.

You will have a catheter plastic tube inserted into your bladder so that it remains empty during the operation. During a caesarean section The actual operation usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes. It will involve: The doctor will make a cut in your abdomen and your uterus both about 10 cm long.

Your baby will be lifted out through the cut. Your baby will be carefully checked. You will be able to hold your baby soon afterwards. Skin-to-skin contact can strengthen your early bond with your baby and make breastfeeding easier. If you cannot hold your baby in the operating theatre, your support person will most likely be able to hold your baby instead. The umbilical cord will be cut and your placenta removed. An injection will usually be given to make your uterus contract and to minimise bleeding.

Antibiotics will be given to reduce the risk of infection. The layers of muscle, fat and skin will be stitched back together and a dressing will be applied over the wound. After a caesarean section A number of things will occur after you have a caesarean section, including: You will be cared for in the recovery room until you are ready to go to the ward. If you have had a general anaesthetic, you will most likely wake up in the recovery room.

You should be able to see your baby once you are awake. You will be encouraged to breastfeed. The earlier you start to breastfeed, the easier it is likely to be for both you and your baby. Having a caesarean section can make breastfeeding harder to start, so ask for all the support you need. Breastfeeding is the best possible food to help your baby grow healthy and strong, and the midwives are there to help you.

Some hospitals encourage women to breastfeed their baby in the recovery room if there is a midwife to assist. Tell your midwife or doctor when you are feeling pain so they can give you something to ease it. Pain-relieving medication may make you a little drowsy. You may have a drip for the first 24 hours or so, until you have recovered from the anaesthetic. You can start to drink after any nausea has passed.

The midwife or doctor will tell you when you can eat again. Your catheter will stay in until the anaesthetic has worn off and you have normal sensation in your legs to walk safely to the toilet. 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.