A cesarean section, commonly shortened to C-section, is a birthing process in which doctors surgically remove the baby from of the womb. There is some evidence that this method of birth was practiced in ancient Egypt, Rome, Greece, Persia and even some parts of Europe. It was initially used to deliver babies from mothers who died during childbirth, which was a far more common occurrence than it is today. The first recorded surgery where the mother survived occurred in 1500 in Switzerland with the first recoded in America in 1794.
With the development of modern surgery and anesthesia, the C-section process improved steadily and became much safer. There are now two types of C-section procedures: one performed by way of a classic incision and the other via what is called a Monroe-Kerr incision.
The classic C-section involves a larger, vertical incision down the lower abdomen. After this initial incision, doctors cut through the underlying layers of tissue accessing the uterus. Here a vertical cut is made, and the baby is removed. This vertical incision gave obstetricians plenty of access to remove the child. However it became apparent that this increased a mother’s risk for infection and left the uterus more at risk to rupturing in subsequent pregnancies.
The more recent Monroe-Kerr incision is smaller, horizontal and made near the bikini line. The doctor then cuts through the layers of body tissues to access the uterus. An incision is then made into the womb allowing amniotic fluid to be drained away because this makes more room in the uterus. Obstetricians can then deliver the baby, however because of the smaller incision they may need to use forceps or a vacuum.
Unfortunately, forceps and vacuum-assisted delivery can sometimes cause injuries to the baby. These can include bruising, lacerations, fractures, and in extremes, brain hemorrhaging.
After completing delivery of the baby the obstetrician takes the placenta out of the uterus, then closes the uterus with dissolvable stitches, and sutures the top incision with stitches or surgical staples that will be removed, a few days later.
The babies vital signs will be checked and things like suctioning is done. As long as there is no further care necessary for the baby, you will be able hold and nurse your newborn in the recovery room. To protect the incision this will likely be lying on your side because holding your baby can put pressure on your fresh incision. Wearing our C-Section Recovery Belt will protect your delicate incision as well giving you the ability to move with ease and comfort.
