Children are born naturally through a vaginal birth. A caesarean section, on the other hand, is the surgical method. Today, around 30 percent of babies are born by caesarean section, which is the technical term for incisional delivery, i.e. almost every third child.
Here you will find further information as well as selected caesarean section specialists and centers.
The term "caesarean section", or "C-section" for short, comes from the Latin. A caesarean section is a surgical procedure to deliver a baby without following the natural route through the birth canal.
A distinction can also be made between primary and secondary caesarean sections. In a primary caesarean section, it is already clear before the birth that a natural (vaginal) delivery is impossible or that the mother rejects it.
Secondary caesarean section means that a vaginal delivery would endanger the well-being of mother and child.
In most cases, the gynecologist decides whether to perform a caesarean section for delivery. There are various medical reasons for an incisional delivery.
Here is an overview of the possible reasons for a caesarean section.
Various anesthesia methods can be used for an incisional delivery:
The latter is usually only used in emergencies. In rare cases, however, general anesthesia is also useful if local anesthesia does not lead to pain relief. In the case of a caesarean section with local anaesthetic, the expectant father can be present as soon as the expectant mother is safely pain-free.
Before the woman is brought into the operating room, a nurse or midwife removes the pubic hair and places a urinary catheter. The latter is not usually painful, but the expectant mother may feel a slight pulling sensation. After she has been wheeled into the operating room, she is prepared for the anesthetic.
Local anesthesia eliminates the risks of general anesthesia. During the operation, the expectant mother will only feel slight sensations of pressure and touch. The sensation of pain, on the other hand, is largely eliminated.
A screen is placed in the area between the breast and abdomen so that the expectant parents cannot see the operation site. The screen also provides additional protection against germs.
A larger incision above the pubic area is necessary for a caesarean section © fotoatelier.hamburg | AdobeStock
A horizontal incision is made above the pubic bone (in the "bikini zone"), then the abdominal wall is opened in layers. The baby is lifted out of the uterus and the umbilical cord is cut immediately.
The mother or parents can see their newborn immediately. The midwife then carries out the initial care. A pediatrician is usually only present in the event of a secondary caesarean section and any abnormalities or prematurity.
Finally, the placenta is removed and the uterine cavity is checked to ensure that the placenta has been completely removed.
An emergency caesarean section is different. It is necessary if the life of the mother and/or child is in danger. There is then no time to lose, which is why an emergency caesarean section is always performed under general anesthesia.
After the operation, the mother is initially monitored for a few hours in the delivery room or recovery room. If everything is OK, she can breastfeed her baby for the first time.
After about two hours, she is taken to her room. As things stand today, she will spend the next three to five days in the maternity clinic.
At home, she is visited by the aftercare midwife at regular intervals. The midwife not only checks on the baby, but also on the caesarean section scar and cares for it as required. After around six to eight weeks (after the end of the postpartum period), a check-up with the gynecologist is scheduled.
If the caesarean section has proceeded without further complications, mothers usually recover quite quickly. However, they should take it easy for a few more weeks, avoid heavy lifting and do no sport.
Possible complications after a caesarean section are
In the vast majority of cases, the scar heals without complications. Some mothers struggle with depressive moods in the first few weeks. This can affect the mother-child bond.
Babies who are born by caesarean section may have problems adjusting or breastfeeding at the beginning. As a rule, however, both the psychological challenges and the child's teething problems are temporary.
Contact your doctor or midwife if you have any problems after your caesarean section.
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