THE FACTS ON CAESARS
There has been a great increase in the number of pregnant mums having Caesareans in Australia over the past few years making Australia one of the highest in Caesarean deliveries around the world. Whether you are having a Caesarean for medical reasons or have opted for an Elective Caesar, it's a good idea to know the facts about this kind of birth.
Caesareans are mostly carried out under an epidural or spinal block so you'll be fully conscious while the operation is occuring. Don't worry you will be numb from the waist down so you won't feel the operation occuring. A screen will be placed between your abdomen and face so that you needn't see the operation. Once the anesthetic has taken effect, a small incision (around 12 to 15cm) will be made above your pubic bone and then a second cut into the lower part of your uterus. You will feel a tugging sensation as your baby is lifted out. Once your baby is checked over they will be given to you or your partner to hold. Once your placenta is delivered you will then be given stitches which may take around 30 minutes.
Though a Caesarean can be a life saving procedure, as with most operations there are risks involved. Certainly a Caesar results in more pain and a longer recovery period than a vaginal birth. There is also an increased risk of infection, bleeding, blood clots and damage to other organs. In addition it is claimed that the more Caesareans that you have the higher the risk of having an ectopic pregnancy. Of course there are also pros to having a Caesarean which include little or no pelvic floor damage, no tearing and often, less anxiety about the birth.
Don't be fooled though into thinking that a Caesarean is an "easy option" as it is still a major operation with a minimum 6 week recovery period. Generally after a Caesarean you will remain in hospital for four to seven days. It is often asked can I have a vaginal birth the next time after a Caesarean. If you have had a low transverse Caesarean (this means an incision along your bikini line - this is the most common Caesarean to have), then you shouldn't have any problems in having a VBAC.
There are many support groups available for further information on Caesareans such as:
Birthrites http://www.birthrites.org
Maternity Coalition http://www.maternitycoalition.org.au
ICAN International http://www.ican-online.org
Please share your views or experiences. We may publish
your views in upcoming Newsletters. Email us click
here.