Cesarean Section the myth the risks and benefits
Cesarean or C-section posed as a fear factor among people, especially expectant mothers. Women assigned for a C-section feels scared and prefer changing their health care provider to going through the knife. Cesarean delivery also comes with mixed feeling from expectant fathers and relatives.
Women who have had C-section are regarded as weak, lazy, and less than a woman. Some men assault their wives because they deliver through C-section instead of vagina delivery and compare them to their mothers who delivered their children through "normal delivery". Due to the resistance met against C-section, there has been a high rate of stillbirth, neonate and maternal mortalities. Cesarean delivery is believed to lead to the death of a mother or child. The procedure is costly, which is why it is highly discouraged within society.
There have been instances where reproductive or health practitioners who prefer or believe in normal delivery abuse their positions by preventing women who needed C-section from having one. This article will show you the basic things you need to understand about cesarean delivery.
What's Cesarean Section?
Cesarean section is a surgical procedure that involves the delivery of a child through an incision in the mother's abdomen (above the bikini line). It is done when vagina delivery can put the unborn child's life at risk. Why C-section?
Cesarean delivery becomes an option when the lives of both the mother and neonate are at risk. The surgical procedure is recommended when;
- The expectant mother is in labour for over 20 hours and labour above 14 hours for mothers that are 39 years and above and have given birth before
- Neonates that are too large for the birth canal
- Slow cervical thinning
- Multiple pregnancies
- Fetal distress
When these happen, doctors consider cesarean to avoid complications. Other reasons why doctors encourage C-section are:
- Expectant mother has had Cesarean delivery before
- For the first-time mother is when the neonate is not in a head-down position for delivery, as the baby might be breech (bottom or feet down) or transverse position (sideways).
While C-section is not widely accepted, it is a common practice, and there are instances where some expectant mothers choose to have a C-section (elective CS) without medical reasons, but it is not encouraged. Cesarean section poses its risks; however, it is considered when the lives of the mother and neonate are at risk.
Risks of Cesarean Sections
C-section is often perceived as painless or risk-free. Major effects of cesarean sections are difficulty in bonding with your child or postpartum depression. Here are some common risks associated with cesarean deliveries:
- Infections
- Uterine rupture
- Surgical injury to the bladder or intestine
- Bleeding
- Inflammation of the uterus
- Need for blood transfusions
- Hysterectomy ( surgical removal of the uterus)
- Risks to future pregnancies
- Placenta previa or abruption.
Benefits of Cesarean Sections
While Cesarean deliveries come with mixed reactions, planned cesarean deliveries are beneficial to expectant mothers.
1. Elective or planned cesarean section reduces the risk of birth injuries such as fractures, asphyxia, and shoulder dystocia.
2. It gives expectant parents the benefit of planning their baby's birth.
3. It helps expectant mother to avoid long hours of labour and labour stress.
4. Common sexual difficulties associated with post vagina delivery are prevented through cesarean delivery.
5. It reduces a baby's chance of contracting infections from the mother.
6. It reduces a baby's chance of getting injured during delivery.
Types of Cesarean Sections
There are two types of cesarean sections, which are; classical and bikini cut. The difference is in the direction of the incision on the abdomen. The bikini cut is the most common cesarean section because; it heals faster, and the incision appears better. The procedure involves little pain after surgery.
The Do and Don't Post- Cesarean Delivery
1. Watch your breathing, blood pressure, wound dressing closely, and if you need less or more analgesic (pain reliever).
2. Use compression stockings to lower the chances of blood clots.
3. Observe how heavy you are bleeding and change your maternity pad when necessary.
4. Use a catheter to drain urine from your bladder.
How fast can one recover post a Cesarean Section?
Recovery time post a cesarean delivery differs and depends on few factors. The general suggested period to recover fully is within 4-6 weeks. However, it may take about 6-8 weeks or longer to resume your daily activities such as; sex and exercise. The right time to stand on one's feet has been a concern for expecting mothers, and you must understand that recovery differs in individual.
You must take good care of yourself and your baby. When your body has all its need, you will heal fast and on time.
How do you know your C-section scar is healing?
An average time for a c- section to heal is within six weeks post-delivery. Ideally, nothing will be seeping from your wound, and your scar length will be about 4-6 inches long. Your scar begins to fade from red to pink around six weeks post your cesarean section. Depending on how your body heals, the scar may feel flat or raised when touched, and tenderness should have reduced.
Common signs and symptoms of C-section not Healing
Some common signs and symptoms may indicate that your c-section scar is not healing, and none of the signs below should be present six weeks after cesarean delivery:
1. Severe abdominal pain
2. Swelling or inflammation around the wound or abdominal region
3. Painful urination
4. Pus or secretion from your wound
5. High fever
6. If you are experiencing problems with your for more than six weeks after childbirth, you need to see your healthcare provider.
Cesarean section is becoming an alternative delivery among expectant mothers. If you are choosing an elective c-section, or you know you are at a risk of an emergency c-section, ensure you discuss your medical history with your doctor while you research reliable materials or information to prepare you.
Remember, safe delivery for women means choosing whatever necessary birth method to keep you and your baby alive.
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