C-Sections: Why They Happen, What The Risks Are & The Truth About Recovery
Last year, the World Health Organization reported that cesarean sections now account for 25% of all childbirths, and predicted that nearly 29% of all babies will be delivered via c-section by 2030. We think the stigma that continues to shroud c-sections limits the conversation around the topic; why they might be necessary or chosen, what the potential risks are, and what the recovery process is really like.
At the end of the day, the best way to give birth is the way where both mama and baby are as healthy and happy as possible. Sometimes that is a vaginal, natural birth. Sometimes it involves an epidural. Sometimes it involves a c-section. Every pregnancy, every baby, and every female body is different, and that leads to so many different birth stories.
April is Cesarean Awareness Month, and to take a step closer to ending the stigma around c-sections, we’re sharing what all women need to know… And if anything isn’t covered here, let us know in the comments so we can answer your questions!
What is a cesarean section?
Let’s start with the basics… A cesarean section, also known as a c-section, is an operation to deliver your baby through a cut made in your tummy and womb. All c-section operations are performed in the same way, but there are different reasons they may happen:
Planned c-sections: Doctor-recommended c-sections can either be planned procedures that are scheduled in advance or can be carried out in an emergency if vaginal birth becomes too risky for mother and baby (see more on this below).
Elective c-sections: The surgery is chosen by the mother for non-medical reasons. Some women prefer to elect to have a c-section because it gives them more control over when their baby is born. It’s important to remember that if you opt for an elective c-section, you are more likely to need a c-section for future deliveries, there is a higher risk of complications, and you’ll have a longer hospital stay and a longer recovery period. Some doctors may not allow this option and it may not be covered by some insurance plans.
Whether you are electing to have a c-section or if it happens as an emergency, you deserve to feel supported and know what to expect once you go home.
What are the medical reasons for a c-section?
Before we get into the potential reasons that a doctor may recommend you give birth via cesarean section, it’s important to remember that if you do have any of the following conditions, it does not necessarily mean that a cesarean section is safest for you or your baby as there are lots of factors that come into consideration. Your doctor will discuss your individual pregnancy with you, and discuss what your options are.
Some of the medical reasons for a c-section are:
1. Failure to progress or stalled labor: According to the CDC, this is the reason for nearly one third of cesareans. Stalled labor means that a first-time mom is in labor for 20 hours or more, or 14 hours or more for those who’ve given birth before.
2. Baby’s positioning: For vaginal births, baby should be in the Optimal Fetal Position, meaning they are positioned head first towards the birth canal. However, some babies are breech (have their feet first) or transverse (have their shoulder or side first). In these cases, doctors may determine that a c-section is the safest way to deliver.
3. Fetal distress: If your baby is not getting enough oxygen or nutrients, then an emergency c-section may be chosen by your doctor.
4. Some birth defects: In some instances, doctors may recommend a c-section where baby has diagnosed birth defects, such as excess fluid in the brain or congenital heart diseases. This is to help reduce delivery complications.
5. Previous c-sections: Most women who’ve previously had a c-section can safely deliver their following babies vaginally, this is known as a Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC). However, some women may be advised to have another cesarean, depending on what is the safest option for them and their baby.
6. A low-lying placenta or placenta abruption: If you have placenta praevia, meaning a low-lying placenta, or placenta abruption, meaning that the placenta has separated from the uterine lining, a c-section might be the safest option.
7. Certain conditions of infections in the mother: If you have certain infections, like a first genital herpes infection occurring late in pregnancy, untreated HIV, or a condition that could be passed to baby through vaginal delivery, then your doctor may recommend a c-section. Doctors may also suggest a cesarean delivery if you have certain health conditions like gestational diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure.
8. Carrying more than one baby: If you are carrying two or more babies, a c-section may be the safest option as carrying multiples can pose different risks during pregnancy and delivery. For example, it can cause prolonged labor or babies may be sitting in abnormal positions (i.e. not in the Optimal Fetal Position).
What are the potential risks of having a c-section?
A c-section is considered a generally safe procedure, but like any type of surgery, it does carry a risk of complications. The level of risk depends on a number of factors, including whether the procedure is planned or carried out in an emergency, as well as your general health (NHS).
Some of the common risks of a c-section include:
Infection of the wound
Infection of the womb lining
A longer recovery period for mama
Women are usually given antibiotics before having their c-section, which means that the risk of infections is lower. Other uncommon/rare risks are excessive bleeding, deep thrombosis, and damage to your bladder.
Whilst these are important risks to understand, it’s important that you discuss any concerns about having a c-section with your doctor. Every pregnancy is unique, and a c-section may still be the safest option for you and baby, despite the potential risk factors.
What do I need to know about c-section recovery?
The stigma around c-sections often prevents women from talking about what they are experiencing, and we really recommend checking out this post on the 9 Things No One Tells You About C-Section Recovery.
To break it down though, the average stay in hospital after a c-section is around 3 or 4 days. Whilst you’re in the hospital, you’ll still have regular close contact with your baby and can start breastfeeding, if you choose to do so. You’ll be encouraged to move around when you feel well enough and can usually eat and drink as soon as you want to.
Other things you should know about c-section recovery:
You may not be able to do certain activities straight away, including driving, exercising, carrying anything heavier than your baby, having sex
You might need help feeding baby: You will require much more support to lift your baby, and even getting up from a chair is surprisingly hard and a little painful as the muscles that support your abdomen have been separated
Trapped gas is common (and painful) but will usually pass within about a week
You may experience numbness or loss of feeling near the incision because some small nerves are severed during surgery. It may take them several months to regrow, maybe longer
You may have a “shelf”, which refers to the skin above your c-section scar that hangs over like a “shelf”
There can be long term side effects including pain, restriction, or pulling around the scar in the months, and even years, following surgery. This is usually due to the build-up of scar tissue.
Have a question about c-sections or c-section recovery? Let us know in the comments and we’ll get back to you!
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