C-Sections Picture & After the Surgery

Today I posted about Cesearean Sections or C-Sections cut, reasons & after recovery picture.

So what determines if a woman is scheduled for a C-section? A doctor may schedule one if:

• the baby is in breech (feet- or bottom-first) or transverse (sideways) position in the womb (although some babies can be turned before labor begins or delivered vaginally using forceps and anesthesia)
• the baby has certain birth defects (such as spina bifida)
• the mother has problems with the placenta, such as placenta previa (when the placenta sits too low in the uterus and covers the cervix)
• the mother has a medical condition that could make a vaginal delivery risky for herself or the baby (such as HIV or an active case of genital herpes)
• some multiple pregnancies
• the mother previously had surgery on her uterus or a C-section (although many such women can safely have a vaginal birth after a C-section, called a VBAC)

Some C-sections are unexpected emergency deliveries performed when complications arise with the mother and/or baby during pregnancy or labor. An emergency C-section might be required if:

• labor stops or isn't progressing as it should (and medications aren't helping)
• the placenta separates from the uterine wall too soon (called placental abruption)
• the baby's shoulders are stuck in the birth canal
• the umbilical cord becomes pinched (which could affect the baby's oxygen supply) or enters the birth canal before the baby (called umbilical cord prolapse)
• the baby is in fetal distress — the heart rate drops, doesn't change at all, or is too fast or too slow
• the baby's head or entire body is too big to fit through the birth canal (which is rare)

Below Picture: This is how it look like after the surgery.. My last pregnancy got 15 staples and remove a week after the c-section cut. That why I can't wear any low cut & bikini type under wear and have to wear a granny or any underwear above the C cut..

Recovery

As with any surgery, there's usually some degree of pain and discomfort after a C-section. The recovery period is also a little longer than for vaginal births. Women who've had C-sections usually remain in the hospital for about 3 or 4 days and need to stay in bed for at least a day after the delivery.

Right after, you may feel itchy, sick to your stomach, and sore — these are all normal reactions to the anesthesia and surgery. If you needed general anesthesia for an emergency C-section, you may feel groggy, confused, chilly, scared, alarmed, or even sad. Your doctor can give you medications to ease any discomfort or pain.

For the first few days and even weeks, you might:

• feel tired
• have soreness around the incision (the doctor can prescribe medications and/or recommend over-the-counter pain relievers that are safe to take if you're breastfeeding.)
• be constipated and gassy
• have a hard time getting around and/or lifting your baby

After about 6 to 8 weeks, the uterus is usually healed and you can probably get back to your normal routine. In the meantime, you'll need to avoid driving or lifting anything heavy so that you don't put any unnecessary pressure on your incision. And as with a vaginal delivery, you should refrain from having sex until about 6 weeks after delivery and your doctor has given you the go-ahead.

Frequent walking may help ease some post-cesarean pains and discomfort. Among other things, it can help prevent blood clots and keep your bowels moving. But don't push yourself — take it easy and have someone help you get around, especially up and down stairs. Enlist friends, family, and neighbors to lend a helping hand with meals and housework for a while, especially if you have other children.

Although breastfeeding may also be a little painful at first, lying on your side to nurse or using the clutch (or football) hold can take the pressure off your abdomen.

Also, C-sections scars fade over time. They'll start to decrease in size and become a natural skin color in the weeks and months after delivery. And because incisions are often made in the "bikini" area, many C-section scars aren't even noticeable.

Call your doctor if you have:

• fever
• signs of infection around your incision (swelling, redness, warmth, or pus)
• pain around your incision or in your abdomen that comes on suddenly or gets worse
• foul-smelling vaginal discharge
• heavy vaginal bleeding
• leg pains
• difficulty breathing or chest pain
• feelings of depression

Emotionally, you may feel a little disappointed if you'd been hoping for a vaginal birth or had gone through labor that ended in a C-section. Although it can be disheartening when the traditional way doesn't work for your delivery, having a C-section does not make the birth of your baby any less special or your efforts any less amazing. After all, you went through major surgery to deliver your baby! It might not be the birth experience you'd imagined, but you can finally meet the little one you've been nurturing all this time!