Our Summary

This study looked at the level of pain experienced by women after having a cesarean section, comparing those who were having their first cesarean to those who had undergone the procedure before. The study involved 336 patients who were chosen randomly and had their cesarean under spinal anesthesia.

The results showed that women who were having their second or subsequent cesarean section experienced more severe pain than those having their first. This was true for both the pain from the surgical incision and internal (or visceral) pain.

Those having a repeat cesarean also requested pain relief medication sooner than those having their first cesarean.

These findings suggest that doctors should consider a patient’s previous experiences when planning how to manage pain after a cesarean section.

FAQs

  1. What was the main focus of this study on cesarean sections?
  2. Did women having a repeat cesarean section experience more pain compared to those having their first?
  3. How might the findings of this study influence the way doctors manage pain after a cesarean section?

Doctor’s Tip

It is important to discuss your previous cesarean section experiences with your doctor so they can tailor a pain management plan that meets your individual needs. They may recommend starting pain relief medication earlier or using a combination of medications to help manage your pain effectively. Additionally, staying on top of your pain medication schedule and following your doctor’s post-operative instructions can help minimize discomfort and promote a quicker recovery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for a cesarean section include:

  1. Women who have had a previous cesarean section and are not candidates for a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) due to various reasons such as the type of incision made during the previous cesarean, the number of previous cesarean sections, or other medical conditions.

  2. Women who have certain medical conditions that may make a vaginal birth risky, such as placenta previa, placental abruption, or certain types of infections.

  3. Women carrying multiple babies (twins, triplets, etc.) who may have complications during labor.

  4. Babies in breech position or other abnormal presentations that may make a vaginal birth difficult or risky.

  5. Women who have certain pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or fetal distress, that may necessitate a cesarean section for the health and safety of the mother and baby.

  6. Women who have certain anatomical factors that may make a vaginal birth difficult or impossible, such as a large baby relative to the size of the pelvis.

Overall, the decision to recommend a cesarean section is made based on the individual circumstances of each patient and their specific medical history and risk factors.

Timeline

Before the cesarean section:

  1. Patient will have prenatal appointments and discussions with their healthcare provider about their delivery options.
  2. Patient may have discussions about the possibility of a cesarean section if complications arise during labor.
  3. Patient may undergo preoperative testing and preparations before the surgery.

During the cesarean section:

  1. Patient will be given anesthesia, either spinal or epidural, before the surgery begins.
  2. Surgery will be performed to deliver the baby through an incision in the abdomen and uterus.
  3. The baby will be delivered and the incisions will be closed.

After the cesarean section:

  1. Patient will be monitored in the recovery room for a period of time.
  2. Patient may experience pain and discomfort at the incision site and may be given pain medication.
  3. Patient will need to stay in the hospital for a few days for monitoring and recovery.
  4. Patient will be given instructions on how to care for the incision and manage pain at home.
  5. Patient will have follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider to monitor their recovery and healing process.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about cesarean section include:

  1. What type of anesthesia will be used during the procedure?
  2. What are the risks and potential complications associated with a cesarean section?
  3. How long is the recovery period expected to be, and what can I do to help speed up the recovery process?
  4. Will I be able to have skin-to-skin contact with my baby immediately after the cesarean section?
  5. How will pain be managed after the procedure, and what options are available for pain relief?
  6. Will I be able to breastfeed my baby after a cesarean section?
  7. What are the chances of needing a repeat cesarean section in future pregnancies?
  8. How soon can I start moving around and caring for my baby after the procedure?
  9. What should I expect in terms of scarring and how can I care for the incision site?
  10. Are there any long-term effects or implications of having a cesarean section that I should be aware of?

Reference

Authors: Getahun Z, Kebede M, Tilla M, Asnak G, Iuzzolino M, Urmale A, Getachew H, Zemedkun A, Demeke T, Abdi M, Sintayehu A, Dendir G. Journal: BMC Anesthesiol. 2025 Feb 22;25(1):97. doi: 10.1186/s12871-025-02951-0. PMID: 39987048