Download Askep Sectio Caesarea
Caesarean section
Definition
A caesarean section (c-section) is a surgical procedure in which a baby is born through an incision (cut) made in the mother’s abdominal wall and the wall of the uterus (womb). Your baby may need to be born by caesarean section if there are serious problems that prevent the baby being born by a normal vaginal birth.
A normal vaginal birth is the safest way for your baby to be born if both you and your baby are healthy during pregnancy and labour. If you do need a caesarean operation, your doctor should explain to you why it is necessary.
When you might need to have a caesarean birth
Some of the problems that may mean your baby needs to be born by caesarean section include:
- Your baby is presenting bottom or feet first (breech) or is lying sideways (transverse) and is not able to be turned by the doctor.
- You are having more than one baby at this birth.
- Your baby’s head does not sink down or ‘fit’ through your pelvis during labour.
- Your baby shows serious signs of distress – your doctor or midwife will look carefully for any signs of distress during labour.
- Your cervix (opening to the womb) is blocked by the placenta – this is known as placenta praevia.
- The umbilical cord, which provides important nutrients and oxygenated blood to your baby, has prolapsed (fallen down) through the cervix and into the vagina when your waters have broken.
- Your labour does not progress as expected – for example, your contractions are not strong enough and your cervix opens too slowly or not at all.
- You have a serious health problem such as high blood pressure.