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C-section – Miracles in childbirth and saviors
Statistically speaking, almost every third child today is delivered by caesarean section.
Just a few decades ago, a section birth was only carried out in medically necessary cases, but now every woman can have this type the delivery.
In the so-called caesarean section, the child is not delivered vaginally, but surgically removed from the uterus via an abdominal incision.
< p style="font-weight: 400;">The caesarean section takes place under local anesthesia (epidural anesthesia – PDA, spinal anesthesia) or general anesthesia. The incision is made just above the pubic hair line, across the lower abdomen and is about 10 to 15 centimeters long.
In this article you can read about the types of caesarean births, what possible risks can occur, how long the hospital stay for a caesarean section lasts, what advantages and disadvantages there are and how the caesarean scar heals most beautifully.
What types of caesarean deliveries are there?
Generally, a primary and secondary caesarean delivery is distinguished , as well as the desired caesarean section.
Primary caesarean delivery
In a primary caesarean section, the child is delivered surgically if the actual birth has not yet begun. So there is neither a ruptured membrane nor contractions.
The reasons are usually an incorrect position of the baby, which makes a natural birth impossible. Primary caesarean deliveries are usually planned interventions.
Secondary cesarean delivery
In contrast to a primary caesarean section, the secondary caesarean section takes place after the birth has started. Here, labor and/or membranes have already started to break.
Reasons for this type of delivery are birth complications, such as a failure to deliver, premature placental abruption or changes in the heartbeat of the child.
Since a secondary caesarean section is performed out of necessity, the term emergency caesarean section is common. The intervention is short-term and not planned.
This type of surgical delivery takes place without medical justification, at the personal request of the expectant mother.
Possible risks of a caesarean delivery
< p style="font-weight: 400;">In contrast to the past, modern caesarean sections are associated with comparatively few risks. However, as with any surgical procedure, complications can also occur with a caesarean section.
This can be, for example, a high level of blood loss, injuries to adjacent organs, cuts in the child, scarring, thrombosis or infections.
Late effects of a caesarean section
According to the current status, known long-term consequences of a caesarean section are primarily infections of the scar. There is also the risk of uterine ruptures in subsequent pregnancies.
For this reason, you should wait at least a year after the surgical delivery before getting pregnant again.
In order to ensure good wound healing, the doctor opens the tissue layers as little as possible by cuts, but more by stretching and tearing. These blunt opening procedures allow wound edges to heal more quickly later.
In addition to the well-known late effects, there is also an increased risk of miscarriage or stillbirth in subsequent pregnancies, as well as placental complications.
Is a vaginal delivery in subsequent Pregnancy possible?
Statistically, the caesarean section rate is higher for a subsequent birth, but there is nothing fundamentally stopping you from having a vaginal delivery. Here, the expectant mother and the doctor treating her should weigh up the exact advantages and disadvantages and make the decision based on the course of the pregnancy.
How long is the hospital stay for a cesarean?
A section delivery lasts between 15 and 60 minutes. The exact duration naturally depends on possible complications and the number of children to be delivered (multiple pregnancies).
A hospital stay of several days is then recommended so that the mother can recover sufficiently and the wound healing of the caesarean section scar can be monitored. Many women therefore only leave the hospital four to six days after giving birth.
Planned births are usually less stressful for the body than so-called emergency caesareans. The latter is usually preceded by many hours of contractions and other, especially psychological, hardships of childbirth, which mean an additional burden on the mother's body. The recovery phase after the birth should also be correspondingly longer and the hospital stay should not end too early.
Did the mother and/or the baby experience any complications during the C-section child, the hospital stay will of course be extended for the time of recovery.
Advantages and disadvantages of a caesarean delivery
While the number of caesarean births has risen sharply in recent years, expectant mothers should always consider the advantages and disadvantages of this birth option.
Generally, a caesarean section should only be carried out if medically necessary. Nevertheless, every woman can of course decide for herself which type of delivery is best for her.
Advantages of caesarean section
Of course, the caesarean section option has a decisive advantage over natural delivery: if there are serious birth complications or if vaginal delivery is not possible from the outset, danger to the health and life of mother and child can be averted in good time with the help of a caesarean section.
In addition, a planned caesarean birth can prevent possible complications in the last trimester of pregnancy or during birth.
Medical reasons for a planned caesarean section:
- Incorrect position of the unborn child
- Multiple pregnancies Birth weight over 4500 grams
- Illnesses that make a natural birth impossible
- Previous caesarean section delivery
Medical reasons for an emergency C-section:
- Pathological CTG changes
- Poor blood work
- Premature placental abruption
- Aborted labor
- Maternal seizures or exhaustion
Disadvantages of a cesarean delivery
First of all, a cesarean delivery is a major surgical procedure and therefore also associated with corresponding risks. In addition, a longer hospital stay is necessary than after a spontaneous birth.
There is also pain after the C-section, restricted movement and difficulties in caring for the baby. In addition to wound healing disorders and infections, the risk of complications in subsequent pregnancies and births is also increased.
Many caesarean deliveries, especially so-called emergency caesarean sections, leave the mother traumatized. In addition, some caesarean scars heal poorly and those affected still feel discomfort and numbness around the scar area for months afterwards.
A caesarean section can also have various disadvantages for the child. In addition to delayed bond formation, cuts are also possible.
Studies also show an increased risk of allergies, asthma and obesity in children who were born by caesarean section. This is due to the lack of bacterial colonization of the skin.
C-section scar: how it heals beautifully and inconspicuously
A cesarean scar stays for life long and full of memories of the birth of your own child. While some women wear them with pride, others struggle with traumatic memories. Luckily, almost all cesarean scars heal within six months without complications.
Proper care is important so that it heals beautifully and unobtrusively!
In the first few weeks, the fresh scar is still red and a little bulging. To avoid inflammation, it should be checked regularly by a midwife. Bathing is forbidden during this time and after showering the scar should only be lightly dabbed dry. Loose clothing that doesn't pinch or rub is also beneficial.
After pulling or unraveling the threads, care can begin. Neutral creams or special scar ointments are suitable for this, combined with a light massage to promote blood circulation and activate the self-healing powers.
Plant oils such as almond oil are also popular. Calendula oil or lavender oil. These also soothe the skin and promote healing with their special active ingredients. The care routine should be carried out daily until complete healing.