1-in 3 Women Will Have a C section Delivery!

Be Prepared For Birth including C Section Delivery

As the rate of Caesarean Section increase worldwide, in some countries it is as high as 1-in 3 women will have a C section Delivery, thats over 120,000 each year in Australia alone. 

We strongly believe that every woman contemplating parenthood should be educated in the procedure, options and reasons why they may be needed. 

You have a choice, and being prepared for either a natural birth or an assisted caesarean will allow you to have a much better immediate and long term birthing experience.

Some valuable information kindly supplied by: Caesarean section – Better Health Channel

What is a C section Delivery?

A caesarean section (c-section or ‘caesarean’) 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 will need to be delivered by caesarean section if there are serious problems that prevent the baby being born by a normal vaginal birth.

A caesarean section may be planned (elective) if there are signs that a vaginal birth is risky, or unplanned (emergency) if there are problems during labour.

If you have no serious problems with your pregnancy or labour a vaginal birth is the safest way for your baby to be born. Most women have vaginal births (about three in four).

You have a right to be involved in and to make decisions about your care. A caesarean can only be performed if you give your written permission. Your partner or next of kin can give written permission if you are not able.

REASONS FOR A PLANNED C SECTION DELIVERY

There are several reasons why you and your obstetrician might decide on a planned (elective) caesarean birth. 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. They include:

• You have previously had a caesarean section
• Your baby is positioned bottom or feet first and can’t be turned (breech)
• Your cervix (opening to the womb) is blocked by the placenta (placenta previa)
• 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 three or more babies.

REASONS FOR AN UNPLANNED C SECTION DELIVERY

Some of the reasons for an unplanned (emergency) caesarean birth include:

• Your baby’s head does not move down or ‘fit’ through your pelvis during labour
• Your labour does not progress – your contractions are not strong enough and your cervix opens too slowly or not at all
• Your baby shows signs of distress or their health is being compromised
• The umbilical cord, which provides important nutrients and oxygenated blood to your baby, has fallen down (prolapsed) through the cervix and into the vagina after your waters have broken
• A health problem, such as high blood pressure, may make labour riskier for you and your baby.

THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE HAVING A CAESAREAN SECTION

Before you have a caesarean section, you should talk to your doctor or obstetrician about:

• Your general health, including any health problems, as some things may affect your doctor’s decisions about surgery and anaesthetics
• Possible risks and complications
• Any bleeding problems and whether you bruise easily
• Any allergies you may have or any medications you are taking
• Tests you need to have – these include blood tests to check if you are anaemic and to make sure there is some blood available in case you need it during or after the caesarean section.