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How to prepare before having a C-section
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A C-section or cesarean section involves delivering a baby through a surgical cut in a woman's abdomen and uterus. (Shutterstock/File)
With the advances of science and technology, many things can be handled more easily, comfortably and safely, including childbirth.
C-sections are now a common childbirth option in many developed countries. The procedure provides mothers with an exact time and date to welcome their baby into the world. Knowing the time of delivery can give an expectant mama plenty of time to prepare for her baby's arrival.
What is a C-section?
A C-section or cesarean section involves delivering a baby through a surgical cut in a woman's abdomen and uterus. C-sections are specially designed for those who cannot perform natural childbirth because of a condition such as pregnancy complications (e.g. the baby is in an abnormal position), mental instability or an infection that could spread to the baby during vaginal delivery.
(Read also: What no one mentions about vaginal birth)
How to prepare
If you are going to have a C-section, your doctor will inform you about everything you need to do. However, there are several things you should know ahead of the delivery.
Several weeks before the scheduled delivery date, you should visit the hospital to submit your preregistration forms. On the night before the delivery, the doctor may perform a presurgical procedure, in which you will be given an epidural anesthesia that involves an injection in your back to numb you for the operation.
Next, you will be catheterized in order to avoid getting up for the restroom during the first 24 hours of recovery. As this is not a comfortable procedure, make sure to ask your doctor for the epidural prior to inserting the catheter. Following that, you may be given a medicine used to clear stomach acids. You can also request antinausea medication to prevent uncomfortable feelings.
Additionally, blood tests may be performed before the C-section, according to your doctor’s recommendations. Checking your blood will help your doctor prepare for the unlikely event that you need a blood transfusion during the procedure. You should clean the surgical site (shaving the pubic hair) or the nurse will do it for you by shaving just enough of your pubic hair to make way for the incision.
The last thing to remember is that you need to prepare a hospital bag of clothes and toiletries for a few days in the hospital.
Because a C-section requires additional recovery time to compared to a normal birth, arranging to have an extra set of hands around the house will be helpful. Don't hesitate to ask questions and share your concerns with your doctor so that your C-section can be successful. (kes)
