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Five Facts About Cesarean Birth
Most babies are born through vaginal delivery, but, in certain situations, cesarean delivery may be the best option to protect the health of a mother and her baby.
A healthcare professional may schedule a cesarean birth because of certain health conditions during pregnancy, such as a multiple pregnancy, HIV or active genital herpes infection in the mother, or birth defects in the baby. Most cesarean births are unplanned and occur because of complications during labor, such as problems with the placenta or umbilical cord or fetal distress. In these situations, a cesarean delivery can be life-saving for mother and baby.
Because most cesarean births are unplanned, teaching expectant parents why a cesarean birth might be necessary and what happens during a cesarean delivery can help prepare them for the unexpected and allay fears.
depicts medical reasons for cesarean birth.
At Childbirth Graphics, we have childbirth education models and materials in our labor and birth product section that are perfect to teach expectant parents about cesarean delivery. Read on to learn five facts about cesarean birth and see some of our cesarean education resources.
The Rates of Cesarean Delivery Have Risen Across the Globe
Today, nearly one-third of babies in the United States are delivered by cesarean. This rate has increased significantly over the years. For example, in 1995, about one-fifth of babies in the United States were delivered by cesarean.
This uptick in cesarean birth is not limited to the United States. It is estimated that, since 1990, the rate of cesarean delivery worldwide has risen from 6 percent to 21 percent, with cesarean rates increasing in both richer and poorer countries.
Many experts believe that the rate of cesarean delivery is too high and many of the cesareans performed are not medically indicated. The World Health Organization estimates that the medically necessary rate of cesarean delivery worldwide is about 10 to 15 percent, while other estimates have been slightly higher. The reasons for increases in cesarean rates are complex and may involve legal, financial, and other factors. A healthy mother and baby is the ultimate goal of any pregnancy, however, and, when medically necessary, cesarean deliveries save lives.
A Cesarean Is Major Surgery
Cesarean delivery generally takes about an hour or less, but that doesn’t mean a cesarean birth isn’t major surgery. Unless it is an emergency situation requiring a general anesthetic, the woman receives an epidural or spinal block to numb her body from the chest down so that she won’t feel any pain during the procedure and can stay alert. A catheter is placed to remove urine from the bladder, and the woman receives IV fluids and medications. Her blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing are all monitored during a cesarean delivery.
our Knitted Uterus Model Set is a great tool to explain vaginal and cesarean birth.
A cesarean birth requires two incisions. Most typically, the first incision (called a bikini incision) is a horizontal cut low on the abdomen. This incision goes through multiple layers of the abdomen—skin, fat, and fascia, allowing separation of muscle to the peritoneum and uterus. The doctor makes the second incision to open the uterus and lift the baby out. After the umbilical cord is cut and the placenta is removed, the doctor stitches up the uterus and abdomen.
Cesarean Births Are Higher Risk Than Vaginal Births
Most cesarean deliveries result in healthy outcomes for mothers and babies, but there are risks and potential complications. Mothers are more likely to die as a result of a cesarean delivery than a vaginal delivery. Babies born by cesarean delivery are at increased risk for breathing problems and possible surgical injury. Some research suggests that babies born by cesarean delivery are more likely to develop autoimmune diseases and obesity later in life.
Other risks to mothers include:
- Wound infection
- Surgical injury to the bowel or bladder
- Blood loss, possibly making a blood transfusion necessary
- Blood clots in the legs, pelvic organs, or lungs
- Adverse reaction to anesthesia
- Longer postpartum recovery
- Increased risk of problems with the placenta and uterine rupture in future pregnancies
A previous cesarean delivery can also increase the likelihood that any future deliveries will be by cesarean.
Recovery After a Cesarean Birth Is Longer Than After a Vaginal Birth
After a cesarean delivery, the mother may feel shaky or nauseated and be monitored for several hours before moving into a regular room. Hospital stays are longer after a cesarean delivery than after a vaginal birth, usually lasting 2 to 4 days. Recovery at home generally takes about 6 weeks. Medication that doesn’t interfere with breastfeeding can be prescribed to help with the pain as the mother recovers. During this time, the mother should focus on recovery, limit her activities, and avoid heavy lifting.
breastfeeding get off to the right start after a cesarean delivery.
Vaginal Birth After a Cesarean Is Often an Option
After a woman has a cesarean delivery, she may be able to deliver her next baby vaginally. Whether she may be able to have a vaginal birth after a cesarean, or VBAC, depends of a variety of factors, including the type of uterine incision performed during her cesarean delivery. The main risk of VBAC is the possibility of the previous uterine incision opening up while attempting a vaginal labor and delivery. A woman who is interested in VBAC should discuss her options with her healthcare professional.
Find More Great Educational Materials
Learn more about the educational resources featured here and find more great Childbirth Graphics materials for teaching about cesarean delivery in our product section dedicated to labor and birth. For video programs and PowerPoints to teach about cesarean birth, visit our product section dedicated to InJoy Health Education materials.
The information contained in this article is not intended to replace the advice of a healthcare professional.
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