Olivia Barredo
April 20, 2023

The day of your momentous childbirth is on its way, and you’re nervous. Sure, it’s a little exciting, but you cannot deny the pounding in your chest and the anxiety days before your scheduled cesarean delivery. For those who aren’t in the know just yet, a Cesarean Delivery, otherwise known as C-section, is a procedure that’s used to help deliver a baby by making surgical incisions in the mother’s abdomen and uterus. This type of delivery is typically done only when the pregnancy is considered high risk, such as if there are certain medical complications that may put the mom or the baby’s life at risk doing a natural childbirth, or if the mom-to-be is over 35. Daunting, yes, but with the help of our guide on what to expect during your C-section, you can stay informed and confident that your childbirth will go smoothly.

What to Expect For Your Cesarean Delivery

Preparing for the Procedure

Before your big day, you’ll need to refrain from eating or drinking anything for eight hours before the procedure. This means no water, no gum, and no candies. If you’re taking maintenance medications, be sure to talk to your doctor beforehand to determine if you should continue taking them or if you need to pause them temporarily for the procedure. 

Once you arrive at the hospital, an intravenous line (IV or swero) will be inserted into your arm or hand, which will provide you with necessary fluids and medications during the procedure. You will also be examined by both an obstetrician (most likely yours) and an anesthesiologist to ensure that your specific needs are met. Finally, to prepare for the surgery, hair in the area surrounding the incision will be either shaved or clipped.

The Procedure

When it’s time for your C-section, you might be allowed to bring one support person with you into the operating room, although some hospitals and doctors may have restrictions, particularly if the delivery is high-risk. Once you’re settled on the operating table, your anesthesiologist will place monitors on you to keep an eye on your blood pressure, pulse, and respiration. They will then administer your anesthesia to numb the area.

Then, your abdomen will be cleaned with an antiseptic, and you may be given an oxygen mask to ensure that your baby is getting enough oxygen during the procedure. A sterile drape will be placed around the incision site, as well as over your legs and chest. 

Once the setup is complete, your obstetrician will make an incision through your skin and into the wall of your abdomen, then your uterus. Finally, your baby will be carefully removed. The umbilical cord will be cut, and the placenta will be removed. 

Once the baby has been delivered, the incision will be closed with stitches and perhaps even staples. A team of doctors and nurses will arrive to assist you and your baby as soon as the delivery is complete. They will stabilize your baby and bring them to you, then will be taken to the nursery. You will then be moved to the recovery room for continued care.

Recovery

After your C-section, you can expect to feel some pain and discomfort from the incision as the anesthesia wears off. Gas pains and difficulty taking deep breaths are also common, so there’s no need to worry so much about that. You will typically stay in the hospital for 2-3 more days to receive care and ensure that you and your baby are healthy. 

Full recovery can take around 4-6 weeks, during which time it’s important to avoid lifting, exercise, and other strenuous activities. You’ll want to ask help from friends, family, or your partner to assist with errands–cooking, cleaning, driving–so that you can focus on rest and recovery. 

It is also important to note that in addition to pain and discomfort, you may also experience cramping and bleeding after a C-section. Over-the-counter painkillers can help alleviate some of this discomfort, but be sure to talk to your doctor before taking any medication. Vaginal discharge is also very common as your body sheds the uterine lining. Initially, the discharge will be red and gradually change to yellow.

If you experience heavy bleeding or notice a foul odor from the discharge, it is important to contact your doctor immediately.

When it comes to having a C-section, it’s completely normal to feel nervous or anxious about the procedure. However, it is important to know that you can take steps and do the necessary research to feel more relaxed and worry-free. Talking to your doctor about any concerns and creating a birth plan that includes your preferences for the procedure is an important step, and knowing what to expect during the procedure and after can help ease any other worries you may have. With the right preparation, you can feel confident during your C-section.