Our Summary

According to the World Health Organization, 15% of births require a cesarean section to keep the mother and/or baby safe. However, the increasing number of cesarean sections (also known as Lower Segment Caesarean Sections or LSCS) is raising questions about whether these should be considered normal births in today’s age. There is not a lot of research comparing the complications of cesarean sections to the complications of vaginal births. This study aimed to compare the common complications of both types of births.

The study took place in two hospitals in Rupandehi district, Nepal, and collected data from 550 mothers. The results showed that 74.2% of the mothers had vaginal births and 25.8% had cesarean sections. The most common complications were bleeding after birth, long labor, and wound infections. The study concluded that mothers who had cesarean sections experienced more complications than those who had vaginal births.

FAQs

  1. What percentage of births require a cesarean section according to the World Health Organization?
  2. What were the most common complications for mothers who had a cesarean section?
  3. How did the number of complications in cesarean sections compare to those in vaginal births, according to the study?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about cesarean section is to make sure to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including keeping the incision clean and dry, avoiding heavy lifting, and taking prescribed pain medication as directed. It is also important to attend all follow-up appointments to monitor healing and address any concerns promptly. Remember to reach out to your healthcare provider if you experience any signs of infection, such as increased pain, redness, swelling, or discharge from the incision site. By taking good care of yourself after a cesarean section, you can help ensure a smooth and healthy recovery.

Suitable For

In general, cesarean sections are typically recommended for the following types of patients:

  1. Previous cesarean section: Women who have had a previous cesarean section may be recommended to have a repeat cesarean section for subsequent pregnancies due to the risk of uterine rupture during a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC).

  2. Multiple pregnancies: Women carrying twins, triplets, or more may be recommended to have a cesarean section due to the increased risk of complications during a vaginal birth.

  3. Placenta previa: When the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix, a cesarean section may be recommended to avoid the risk of severe bleeding during vaginal birth.

  4. Fetal distress: If the baby shows signs of distress during labor, such as an abnormal heart rate, a cesarean section may be necessary to deliver the baby quickly and safely.

  5. Breech presentation: When the baby is positioned feet or buttocks first instead of head first, a cesarean section may be recommended to reduce the risk of complications during delivery.

  6. Maternal health conditions: Women with certain health conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease, may be recommended to have a cesarean section to reduce the risk of complications during labor and delivery.

It is important for pregnant women to discuss their birth options with their healthcare provider and make an informed decision based on their individual circumstances and medical history.

Timeline

Before a cesarean section:

  • The decision for a cesarean section is made by the medical team based on various factors such as fetal distress, malpresentation, or maternal health concerns.
  • The patient undergoes pre-operative preparations such as fasting, administration of anesthesia, and signing consent forms.
  • The patient is taken to the operating room where the surgery is performed.

After a cesarean section:

  • The patient is monitored closely in the recovery room for any complications such as bleeding, infection, or anesthesia-related issues.
  • The patient may experience pain and discomfort at the incision site and may be given pain medication.
  • The patient is encouraged to start moving and walking to prevent blood clots and aid in recovery.
  • The patient will need to stay in the hospital for a few days for monitoring and support with breastfeeding and newborn care.
  • The patient will have follow-up appointments to monitor incision healing and overall recovery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. Why do I need a cesarean section? What are the risks and benefits compared to a vaginal birth?
  2. What is the recovery process like after a cesarean section? How long will it take for me to fully recover?
  3. Will I be able to have skin-to-skin contact with my baby after the cesarean section? How soon can I start breastfeeding?
  4. What are the potential complications of a cesarean section, and how likely are they to occur?
  5. Will I be able to have a vaginal birth in the future if I have a cesarean section this time?
  6. Are there any alternative options or interventions that could potentially avoid the need for a cesarean section?
  7. How will pain management be handled during and after the cesarean section?
  8. Are there any long-term effects or risks associated with having a cesarean section?
  9. What steps can I take to promote a healthy recovery and reduce the risk of complications after a cesarean section?
  10. Can you provide me with more information or resources about cesarean sections and what to expect during the procedure?

Reference

Authors: Sharma S, Dhakal I. Journal: JNMA J Nepal Med Assoc. 2018 Jan-Feb;56(209):535-539. PMID: 30058639