Cesarean delivery, also known as a C-section, is a surgical procedure to deliver a baby through incisions in your abdomen and uterus. While many pregnancies allow for vaginal birth, there are instances where a C-section ensures the safety of both mother and baby.
In fact, about 32% of babies are born via C-section in the United States. And if you’re pregnant, understanding the situations that necessitate a C-section can help you prepare for this possibility.
Our team at OB-GYN Associates of Marietta specializes in prenatal care and delivery, and we’re here to help answer your questions and alleviate some of the anxiety that comes along with the anticipation of labor and delivery.
A C-section involves making a horizontal incision through your lower abdomen and uterus to deliver your baby. We usually do the procedure with regional anesthesia, like an epidural or spinal block, which numbs the lower half of your body but allows you to remain awake during delivery.
C-sections can be planned (elective) or performed in an emergency. Elective C-sections are typically set in advance when risk factors are identified. Emergency procedures take place due to unforeseen complications during labor. In some of these cases, we may use general anesthesia.
Most C-sections take 45 minutes to an hour, including the time we need to make the incisions, deliver your baby, and close the incisions. In many cases, you can even have skin-to-skin contact in the operating room or shortly after your baby is born.
Every pregnancy is unique, and our team works closely with you to monitor your health as you prepare for the birth of your baby. While many women hope to have vaginal births, here are a few of the most common reasons why we may recommend a C-section instead.
One of the most common reasons for a planned C-section is a breech presentation, where your baby is positioned feet- or buttocks-first instead of headfirst. Vaginal delivery in a breech position is risky because your baby’s head, which is the largest part of their body, is delivered last, increasing the chances of complications.
If we identify a breech situation ahead of labor, we can attempt to turn your baby to a headfirst position. If these attempts are unsuccessful, we discuss scheduling a C-section to increase your chances of a safe delivery.
Placenta previa develops when the placenta partially or completely covers your cervix and obstructs your baby’s exit during a vaginal delivery. This condition can cause severe bleeding during labor and delivery, which poses significant risks to both you and your baby.
If you have placenta previa, a C-section is often necessary to deliver your baby safely and prevent life-threatening hemorrhage.
Pregnancies that involve twins, triplets, or more are considered high-risk. These cases often require a C-section, especially if the babies are in an abnormal position or share a placenta.
Delivering multiple babies vaginally can increase your risk of complications, including preterm labor, low birth weight, and cord entanglement. Since a C-section is a controlled surgical procedure, it provides a safer environment for delivering multiple babies.
If you’ve had a C-section in the past, you might need another one for subsequent deliveries, especially if your uterine incision was made in a way that increases the risk of uterine rupture during a vaginal birth.
While some women may be candidates for a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC), many factors, including the type of uterine incision and the reason for the previous C-section, influence this decision.
In these cases, we evaluate your individual circumstances and your personal goals for delivery to determine the best method for you.
Fetal distress refers to signs that your baby is not well during labor. It can include an abnormal heart rate or lack of oxygen — and when we detect fetal distress, you may need an emergency C-section.
This decision is often made during labor when continuous monitoring indicates that your baby’s health is at risk. Although the thought of an emergency C-section can be scary, it may be the best way to quickly deliver your baby and prevent further complications.
If you’re expecting a baby, it’s normal to have questions about what might happen during delivery — and our team is here to help. While it may not be the preferred method for all pregnancies, C-section is a vital surgical procedure that can safeguard the health and well-being of you and your baby.
Learn more with a prenatal appointment at one of our offices in Marietta or Woodstock, Georgia. Call the office nearest you to get started today.
