A c-section scar. [Photo/Courtesy]
Deliveries do not always go as planned. And there is nothing like a 'normal delivery'. Nothing is 'normal' about pushing a melon size baby out of pea-size opening.
Sometimes doctors need to intervene during a delivery and for one reason or the other, perform a cesarean section or c-section as commonly called. Here's what you need to know about c-sections:
C-section is the use of surgery to deliver one or two babies. It is usually performed when a vaginal delivery would put the mother or the baby at risk. A cut of about 15 centimeters is made on the mother's lower abdomen.
The first record of a successful c-section was made in 1500 when a Switzerland farmer performed surgery on his wife, who after several days of labour and help from thirteen midwives, had not been able to deliver her baby.
A mother may need to undergo c-section if the baby is in breech position at the time of delivery. This means that the baby has not turned head-down, which is the most suitable position to push.
A surgery is also needed if the baby has cord prolapse. This means that the cord is around the baby's neck, and it needs to be released to allow the baby access oxygen.
Sometimes a baby may be in fetal distress, which is indicated by a failing heartbeat. There also may be need for surgery if there is no progress in labour. This happens when the cervix completely fails to dilate enough to deliver the baby.
Other reasons that may necessitate a c-section include a uterine rupture or a placenta abruption. This is whereby the placenta dis-attaches from the lining of the uterus. A woman who has undergone a c-section before is ninety nine percent more likely to have another.
A c-section, though lifesaving, could have several complications which include blood loss, nausea, infection and severe headaches.
Note: Part of the research picked from Google