24 Mar Dr. Rehberg Explains: C-Section Procedure at Sylacauga OB/GYN
Over the years, there has been an uptick in Cesarean deliveries, also known as a C-section. These procedures were originally reserved for women who would otherwise have difficulty giving birth vaginally. Today, many women are electing to have planned C-sections done.
While there are different reasons for choosing a planned delivery, we wouldn’t recommend a C-section for first-time mothers. We’ll dive into what you can expect during this procedure and help you determine if it’s right for you.
What is the cesarean delivery procedure?
A C-section is a surgical procedure we use to safely deliver your baby when a traditional birth would put you or your baby at risk. During the procedure, we use anesthesia to numb only the lower part of your body. Once the area is sufficiently numb, we make a horizontal incision to your abdomen and then to your uterus.
After we make the incision to your uterus, we are able to safely remove your baby and clear the fluids from his or her nose and mouth. Finally, we cut the umbilical cord, remove the placenta, and use sutures to close the incisions.
When is a C-section necessary?
A C-section may be the safest method to choose for you and your baby if you’re unable to give birth vaginally. There are many reasons this could be the case. For example, the cervix may not dilate to the necessary measurements to allow the baby to pass through.
Safety is our utmost concern for our patients at Sylacauga OB/GYN, so if vaginal delivery poses a risk to you or your baby, a C-section is the necessary course of action. There are specific issues that lead to whether the C-section is planned/scheduled or an emergency C-section.
Complications and situations that require having a C-section are the following:
- If you have contractions for several hours, and your cervix isn’t opening enough to allow your baby to pass through the birth canal, we will prepare for a C-section to bring your baby into the world.
- We may find that your baby’s heartbeat is irregular, which signals distress. Vaginal delivery requires more effort on your part and from your baby. To remedy this, we would move to a C-section.
- Most babies flip heads-down by 30 weeks as they’re supposed to for birthing. Past this time, vaginal delivery can be very dangerous if your baby hasn’t turned vertically or is set in an abnormal position like breech or transverse.
- Carrying multiple babies, such as twins and triplets, increase your likelihood of needing a C-section.
- A problem with the placenta where it blocks the opening of your cervix, known as placenta previa, can call for an emergency C-section.
- Should the umbilical cord slip through your cervix before the baby does, a C-section would be the safer delivery method versus vaginal delivery.
What are the complications and risk factors?
At Sylacauga OB/GYN, we don’t recommend a C-section to first-time mothers who may want to grow their family in the future. A C-section is a major surgery that comes with risks to future pregnancies.
There is a slight risk of inflammation and endometritis after a C-section. There’s also a risk for placental abnormalities and uterine rupture regarding possible future pregnancy complications.
Recovering from your C-section
The recovery period is longer after a C-section, so you’ll likely remain at the hospital for a few days following the procedure. Our compassionate staff will monitor your healing process and provide pain relief as needed. Once you’re set to go home, rest is very important. We advise you to refrain from any heavy lifting and avoid sexual activity for six weeks post-C-section.
LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT MAKES SYLACAUGA OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY A TOP PROVIDER IN C-SECTION DELIVERY
Sylacauga OB/GYN is the premier provider of obstetric and gynecological services in Sylacauga, Alexander City, Talladega, and the surrounding areas. For more information about C-sections and if they’re right for you, give us a call at 256-249-6995 or email us at [email protected].