Cesarean Section

At one time, cesarean sections (c-section) were performed in emergency situations only. Today the practice is much more common due to the advances in surgical and anesthetic techniques. The most common reasons for a c-section are; if danger to mother or baby would be greater by vaginal delivery, and if complications arise during a vaginal childbirth, which includes breech presentation.

C-Section Procedures:

The first incision is made through the skin and muscles of the abdominal wall which exposes the peritoneum.
A transverse incision is then made through the peritoneum and the incision is held open with retractors.
The bladder will rest upon the lower part of the uterus and is moved so that the uterus is in full view.
A short, transverse cut is made in the lower part of the uterus.
The surgeon will then slowly and carefully extend the incision by finger traction only.
At this point the membranes of the fetal sac are visible and ruptured with surgical scissors.
The surgeon will then immediately slip one hand into the uterus to locate the baby's head.
Using obstetric forceps,the baby's head is eased out of the uterus.
The mother is then injected with the natural hormone oxytocin.
The baby is eased out to avoid enlarging the incision.