A Few Words About Cesarean Section

A cesarean section is a surgical operation in which the mother’s abdomen and uterus are cut to allow the baby or babies to be taken out into the world. After the baby is out, the placenta will be removed and the incision is sewn shut. This operation was originally designed to be performed only if its benefits are grater than the risks.

More often than not, the medical system may prefer a cesarean section on a vaginal birth. The modern machinery and knowledge provides a safe option, which can be a used as a safe solution to any question mark or issue, as minor as it may be, that may arise before the delivery. This fact rises the percentage of cesareans, at times with no real reason.

Elective Cesarean Section

When a cesarean is planned in advanced (mostly for no medical reason such as risk to the mother or baby), it is called an elective cesarean, which means it is done out of choice. In an elective cesarean, the date is selected / scheduled in advanced by the doctor and there is no dependency in the start of contractions or any other factor.

Today, many women prefer to have an elective, pre scheduled and contraction free cesarean section operation even if there is no medical problem requiring one. Remember, the operation is in fact an operation, with risk of complications and a long recovery. At the same time, the objective for each birth is to deliver a healthy baby while keeping the mother in good health (physically and mentally), so if the end result is just that, an operation can count as a valid means.

Emergency Operation

At times, a complication in the process of a delivery that has started vaginally may force the medical staff to perform an emergency operation. If the emergency c-section is performed due to a fetus distress, you will most likely not have the time to understand exactly what happened and be a part of the decision making. If there is time, ask to take part in the decision making, and understand why the doctors think it is best to proceed this way.  Later, after the delivery, you will feel better knowing you took part in the decision making.

Father presence during the C-Section

In some hospitals the father is allowed to be present in the room for a cesarean section. Unfortunately, he will not be allowed in the room for an emergency operation.

Elective Cesarean Section Advantages

• Protects the pelvic floor, which prevents future problems such as uncontrolled urine leak, uncontrolled gas and the likes.
• Prevents fetus distress during delivery in case of an emergency cesarean.
• Prevents risks of forceps delivery to the baby and mother
• Minimize uncertainties – date, time, length of operation, are all known in advanced to the women & the medical staff, and allow them to prepare for it.
• Eliminates the possibility of passing the 40^th week with no delivery, which may introduce complications.

Elective Cesarean Section Disadvantages

• Chance of infection after the operation
• There is no delivery experience.