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Imam Reza Hospital - Bandar Abbas

CESAREAN

cesarean section

Caesarean section is a major surgery that involves splitting the skin on the abdomen, the underlying muscles and the uterine wall

Cesarean

A brief description of cesarean section

Cesarean section is a major surgery that is associated with splitting the skin on the abdomen, the muscles below it and the wall of the uterus. On average, 10% of births in the world are performed by cesarean section, according to official statistics in Iran, about 25 to 35% of births are performed by operation. Surgery means caesarean section, while according to unofficial statistics, caesarean section in Iran is 5 times more than in other parts of the world. Today, in some hospitals in Iran, this statistic is even 100 percent reported. Some experts believe that the reason for the increase in the tendency of women to choose caesarean section is to escape from the pain of childbirth.

Cesarean

Performing a cesarean section, the baby is not born through the mother's vagina, but is born during a surgical operation. The doctor cuts the abdominal wall and the uterus and pulls out the baby and the placenta.

  • Cesarean
    A caesarean section is a surgical procedure in which a baby is born through a cut made in the mother’s abdominal wall and uterus.
  • A baby will need to be born by caesarean section if there are serious problems that prevent the baby being born by a normal vaginal birth.
  • Caesarean section is a relatively safe operation; however, possible complications include infection, damage to your internal organs, an increased risk of respiratory distress for your baby and complications with future pregnancies.

There are several reasons why you and your obstetrician may decide on a planned (elective) caesarean birth.

These include:

  • You have previously had a caesarean section.
  • Your baby is positioned bottom or feet first (breech) and can’t be turned.
  • Your cervix (opening to the womb) is blocked by the placenta (this is known as placenta praevia).
  • Your baby is lying sideways (transverse) and is not able to be turned by the doctor.
  • You have a twin pregnancy, with your first baby positioned bottom or feet first.
  • You are having 3 or more babies.

Not all women have or need to have caesareans in these circumstances. The decision will be based on a combination of your particular situation and, in some cases, your preferences.

Anaesthetic for a caesarean section

There are 3 types of anaesthetic you may be given so that you do not feel any pain during your operation: They include:

  • Spinal anaesthetic – the most common anaesthetic for a planned caesarean. A needle will be inserted between the bones in your spine and local anaesthetic will be injected though the needle. This will block the pain from your chest downwards. You will be awake and able to breathe normally. As your baby is being born, you may feel tugging and pulling sensations, but no pain. In some cases, a pain-killing medicine (morphine) is given at the same time as the spinal. This can last for the next 24 hours and helps with your recovery as you are less drowsy and able to eat, drink and walk around earlier. Ask your doctor if this is offered at your hospital.
  • Epidural anaesthetic – often used to lessen the pain of labour. If you have already been given an epidural during labour, and it is working well, the epidural can be topped up for an emergency caesarean. The epidural is a plastic tube that will be inserted into a space around the lining of your spine. Local anaesthetic will be injected through the tube, which will block any pain sensation from your waist down. You will be awake and able to breathe normally. As your baby is being born, you may feel tugging and pulling sensations, but no pain.
  • A general anaesthetic may also be given if your baby needs to be born very quickly. You will breathe oxygen through a mask and you will be given medicine through a drip, which will make you drowsy and put you to sleep. You will sleep through your baby’s birth.

Preparing for a caesarean section

To prepare for your caesarean section:

  • You will need to fast. That means no food or drink, including water, for up to 6 hours before a planned caesarean. In some cases, you can drink clear fluids up until 2 hours before your admission. Your doctor will advise you about fasting times required for your operation.
  • If you are having an emergency caesarean, the doctor will ask you when you last had any food or drink so they know how to proceed with your operation.
  • You will have blood tests taken.
  • You may have a support person with you, unless there are serious complications or you need a general anaesthetic. It is generally possible for someone to take photos of your baby being born, so ask your support person to bring a camera if they have one.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask questions or to tell the doctors or midwives if you are feeling worried.
  • If you have any special preferences, talk to your doctor or midwife beforehand, so they can try to support your choices. Some doctors – offer ‘maternal assisted’ caesareans so that you can be directly involved in the birth of your baby. Ask your doctor if they offer this option.
  • If the doctor believes you are at increased risk of blood clots, you may be measured for compression stockings to wear during the operation.
  • The theatre team will clean your abdomen with antiseptic and cover it with sterile cloths to reduce the risk of infection. In many hospitals, the hair around the area to be cut is shaved so that it is easier to clean. You will have a catheter (plastic tube) inserted into your bladder so that it remains empty during the operation.

During a caesarean section

The actual operation usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes. It will involve:

  • The doctor will make a cut in your abdomen and your uterus (both about 10 cm long).
  • Your baby will be lifted out through the cut. Sometimes the doctor may use forceps to help lift out your baby’s head.
  • Your baby will be carefully checked.
  • You will be able to hold your baby soon afterwards. Skin-to-skin contact can strengthen your early bond with your baby and make breastfeeding easier.
  • If you cannot hold your baby in the operating theatre, your support person will most likely be able to hold your baby instead.
  • The umbilical cord will be cut and your placenta removed.
  • An injection will usually be given to make your uterus contract and to minimise bleeding.
  • Antibiotics will be given to reduce the risk of infection.
  • The layers of muscle, fat and skin will be stitched back together and a dressing will be applied over the wound.

After a caesarean section

A number of things will occur after you have a caesarean section, including:

  • You will be cared for in the recovery room until you are ready to go to the ward.
  • If you have had a general anaesthetic, you will most likely wake up in the recovery room. You should be able to see your baby once you are awake.
  • You will be encouraged to breastfeed. The earlier you start to breastfeed, the easier it is likely to be for both you and your baby. Having a caesarean section can make breastfeeding harder to start, so ask for all the support you need. Breastfeeding is the best possible food to help your baby grow healthy and strong, and the midwives are there to help you. Some hospitals encourage women to breastfeed their baby in the recovery room if there is a midwife to assist.
  • Tell your midwife or GP (doctor) when you are feeling pain so they can give you something to ease it. Pain-relieving medication may make you a little drowsy.
  • You may have a drip for the first 24 hours or so, until you have recovered from the anaesthetic.
  • You can start to drink as soon as you feel able.
  • The midwife or doctor will tell you when you can eat again. In some cases, early eating and drinking is encouraged and chewing gum is offered to help with your appetite.
  • Your catheter will stay in until the anaesthetic has worn off and you have normal sensation in your legs to walk safely to the toilet. This may not be until the next day.
  • Walking around can help with recovery. It can also stop blood clots and swelling in your legs. A midwife will help you the first time you get out of bed.
  • You may also have an injection to stop blood clots.
  • You may need antibiotics after the operation.
  • You may have trouble with bowel movements for a short time after the operation. It should help to drink plenty of water and eat high-fibre food. The doctor or midwife can give you more advice.
  • When your dressing is taken off, you will be instructed to keep the wound clean and dry. This will help it to heal faster and reduce the risk of infection.

Risks and complications of a caesarean section

In Australia, a caesarean section is a common and relatively safe surgical procedure, but it is still major surgery. As with all surgical procedures, there are risks for both you and your baby.

Some of the more common risks and complications include:

  • above-average blood loss
  • blood clots in the legs
  • infection in the lining of the uterus
  • a longer stay in hospital (3 to 5 days, or 72 to 120 hours, on average)
  • pain around the wound (you will be given pain relief)
  • problems with future attempts at vaginal birth
  • a need for a caesarean section for future births
  • complications from the anaesthetic.

Some women develop serious problems after a caesarean section. You should always talk with your midwife or doctor about any problems you are experiencing, so they can assess whether or not it is serious and provide you with the treatment you need.

Some problems you should look out for include:

  • pain in your abdomen or wound that is getting worse and that doesn’t go away after you take pain-relieving medication
  • ongoing or new back pain, especially where you had the epidural or spinal injection (muscular aches and pains are normal)
  • pain or burning when you pass urine or inability to pass urine
  • leaking urine
  • constipation
  • inability to pass wind or bowel motions
  • increased vaginal blood loss or bad-smelling discharge from the vagina
  • coughing or shortness of breath
  • swelling or pain in your calf (lower leg)

wound edges pulling apart or looking infected

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We always try to provide the best for our clients by providing up-to-date medical services and modern medical equipment and experienced and expert treatment staff.

Ahmad Reza Mobini Patient

It is a very excellent and well-equipped hospital, the treatment staff are very good and experienced, may God bless them, they took the best care of me during the time I was hospitalized. I would like to thank all the staff here.

Seyyedah Fatima Ahmadi

Thank you to all the maternity staff, how kind and experienced, the environment and rooms are clean and high quality, they were so good that I forgot the pain of childbirth. May God protect you

Arash Amir Abdoli

Everything was good and great, sometimes a patient has many worries that if they don't cooperate with him in the hospital, in addition to his pain and illness, he will have a thousand thoughts, I wanted to say that you are all welcome, everything is good and great and worthy of attention

Zahra Abdullahi

The children's department of the hospital is very good, really kind nurses, good and experienced doctors, taking care of my child day and night, God bless you.

Sina Amiri

How good it is for a person to count on others when a problem arises. In my opinion, the emergency nurses of Imam Reza Hospital are the ones who can be counted on in critical situations. Your breath is hot

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