Cesarean section

With a caesarean section, the baby is born through an operation through the abdominal wall. There are several reasons why the gynecologist may decide to perform a caesarean section. This may be planned in advance, for example if the baby is breech or if the placenta is over the cervix. It may also be that this is decided during childbirth, for example if the baby is short of breath and needs to be born urgently. As with all operations, there are a number of risks associated with a caesarean section. These are anaemia, cystitis or damage to the bladder, bowel failure, bleeding in the abdomen, thrombosis or wound infection.

During a caesarean section, the mother is anesthetized. This can be done by means of an epidural or general anesthesia. In most cases, an epidural is chosen. Your lower body is anesthetized and you stay awake, so that you consciously experience the birth of your baby. If there is an emergency and your baby needs to be born quickly, the caesarean section will take place under general anesthesia.

A number of preparations are made prior to a caesarean section. An IV is injected and a bladder catheter is inserted. The operation itself takes an average of 45 minutes. After about 15 minutes, the baby is born. The gynecologist makes a horizontal cut of 10-15 cm just above the pubic bone, also called a 'bikini cut'. After the cut in the skin, the fat layer and a layer of connective tissue above the abdominal muscles are cut. The abdominal muscles are pushed aside. Then the gynecologist opens the abdominal cavity. The bladder that is partially overlying the uterus is detached and pushed down. The gynecologist then makes a transverse incision in the uterus and the baby is born. This often involves pressure on the abdomen. The umbilical cord is cut and your baby is checked by the pediatrician. When your placenta is born, the gynecologist then stitches up the uterus and the different layers of the abdominal wall.

Once the baby has been checked by the pediatrician, you may briefly see it. Then your baby goes to the ward, as it is too cold to stay in the operating room. After suturing, you also go to the ward, where you can hold the baby. During a caesarean section, your partner is usually allowed to be present in the operating room. He then sits at the head end behind a cloth, and does not have to see anything of the operation. When the baby is born, he can go to the ward with the baby.

After a caesarean section, you will stay in the hospital for about three to four days. The first few days you are often still weak and dizzy when you get up. The following days it slowly gets better. The wound may still be painful and you may experience after-effects. You will be prescribed painkillers for this. Your blood pressure, pulse, blood loss and the amount of urine will be checked regularly. The bladder catheter is removed the day after surgery. To prevent a thrombosis in the leg, you will receive an injection in your upper leg once or twice a day with a blood-thinning agent. The iron level in your blood is often determined again in the hospital before you go home. If this is too low, you will still be prescribed iron tablets.

Gentle section

A gentle c-section, or friendly caesarean section, can be performed if both you and your baby are in good condition and is possible with a planned caesarean section. There is extra attention for you and your child. Mother and child are not separated and there is a lot of attention for skin-to-skin contact. After a small check by the nurse, your baby will be placed on your chest. The nurse is constantly present to ensure that your baby does not cool down too much.