A cesarean section is a procedure to surgically remove a baby from the uterus. This eMedTV page explains the structures in the body that are involved with pregnancy, what happens during the surgery, and possible complications of this procedure.
Planned cesarean sections are often scheduled near the 39th week of pregnancy. This eMedTV resource explains the importance of knowing the signs of labor, such as severe pain or having your water break, even when preparing for a cesarean section.
On the day of a cesarean section, you will be given an IV, fetal monitors, and an EKG. This eMedTV resource discusses why certain tests and monitors (which are safe for you and the baby) will be used during this procedure.
This eMedTV page explains what you may see and hear prior to a c-section. For example, you are monitored with a blood pressure cuff and pulse oximeter during a c-section, and the operating room will contain various monitors and other equipment.
Anesthesia helps prevent pain during a procedure, and is often administered by an injection in your back. This eMedTV page highlights the most common types of cesarean section anesthesia: spinal and epidural.
In a c-section, an incision is made in the abdomen over the uterus, and the baby is delivered through it. This eMedTV Web page explains what happens before, during, and after a cesarean section procedure.
The average cesarean recovery time after leaving the hospital ranges from 4 to 6 weeks. As this eMedTV article explains, this period can vary for each woman and will depend on factors such as complications from the surgery.
Cesarean complications, although rare, include infections, blood clots, and abdominal adhesions. This eMedTV article describes these and other possible complications, as well as risk factors that increase the chances of these problems occurring.
Complications for diabetics who have a c-section can include stillbirth, infections, and more. This eMedTV page discusses diabetics and c-section complications, as well as symptoms of abnormal blood sugar levels.
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