Caesarean birth

Women across the world give birth differently everyday. It could be a through vaginal birth or via caesarean section. In Zimbabwe 8, 8 % of the people who delivered in 2019 did so through the caesarean section (Zimstats 2019). A caesarean birth (C-section) is an operation to deliver a baby through the incision in the lower part of a mother’s abdomen and uterus (Tommy’s April 2018). There is the planned or elective caesarean section where by one knows way before they go into labour that they are going to deliver through caesarean section and they plan for it. In other instance, sometimes when a woman is in or approaching labour the healthcare team can decide that the caesarean section is the safest way to deliver the baby. This is called emergency caesarean section (Tommy’s April 2018). What is important is for mothers to be informed and empowered with information that can help them and their babies. This paper is going to focus on the types of C-section and what to expect.

Planned C-section

Planned C-sections are usually done from 38+ weeks of pregnancy when the baby is fully developed or to avoid complications (Glavind and Uldbjerj 2015). If you need a planned C-section you can discuss this with your gynecologist during your visits. In most cases the caesarean section is done due to different complications that may include, problems with the placenta, previous complications, size of the baby etc.(Homfeyer etal 2015).

Emergency C-section

The term emergency may be alarming but there is no need to be overly alarmed. This type of caesarean section is done due to different reasons, it could be one’s labour may not be progressing as expected, a woman is way past her expected delivery date, vaginal bleeding or if there are any concerns about the mother or baby’s health.

What to expect in Caesarean birth

• Planned C-sections allow for mothers to be prepared for the arrival of their babies knowing the dates and times of their planned delivery well in advance .

• A caesarean section is a surgical operation, hence cuts are made on the abdomen and uterus so that the baby can be lifted out through the cuts. This means that women who have a C-section often require more time to rest and heal after giving birth.

• The process may take 30-60 minutes and there will be a few people in the operating theatre with you.

• Although an anesthetic will be administered, one might feel discomfort and pain after the procedure, it is totally normal and mothers are often prescribed safe drugs to manage the pain.

• After the procedure nurses will take care of you until you are discharged wherein rest and low impact activities are recommended for anything up to 6weeks.

• Caesarians can be performed while the mother is awake or sedated depending on a case-by-case basis and doctor recommendations.

• Mothers will still be able to breastfeed.

• The doctor and the nurses will guide you on how to take care of the wound so that infections do not develop.

In conclusion, knowing about the different ways of giving birth is important. It is vital for women to be well informed before undergoing any procedure and to ask the specialist in charge as many questions as possible. You have the right to know and be best prepared to take care of yourself as well as your baby. What is essential is your health and wellbeing and not necessarily the method of delivery.

We want to see healthy happy and informed mothers. You matter.

#Maternal health matters #universal health coverage