Cesarean Section

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is a Cesarean section? A cesarean (se-ZAYR-ee-an) section is one way that a baby can be delivered. Caregivers will do this surgery when you cannot have your baby through your vagina. Caregivers make an incision (cut) in your lower abdomen (belly) and into the uterus (womb). The baby is delivered through this incision. Your C-section may be planned for the delivery of your baby. You may also have a C-section done very quickly in case of an emergency situation. If it is an emergency, you may already be in labor while caregivers are getting you ready for the C-section.

Why might I need a Cesarean section? You may need a C-section if you or your baby have one or more of the following problems:

• Abruptio (ab-RUP-she-oh) Placenta. This is when the placenta (plah-SEN-tah) breaks away from the wall of the uterus before the baby is born. This can cause bleeding, and may decrease the amount of oxygen getting to your baby.
  
  
• Birth Defects. Some birth defects can cause problems for a baby being delivered through the vagina.
  
  
• Breech Position. Babies are most easily delivered head-first. Your baby may be positioned inside you in the bottom (rear-end) first position. In this position, it may be difficult or impossible for the baby to be delivered through your vagina. Other positions that your baby may be in may make a C-section necessary.
  
  
• Cephalopelvic (SEF-ah-lo-PEL-vik) Disproportion. This is when the size of your pelvis is too small for your baby's head or body to fit through.
  
  
• Failure to Progress. This is when your labor has slowed or stopped, or your labor contractions are not strong enough. Caregivers will work with you to help your labor move faster, but you may need still a C-section to deliver your baby.
  
  
• Fetal Distress. This is when your baby is showing signs of problems during your labor, such as heart rate changes.
  
  
• Multiple Births. Being pregnant with more than one baby can cause problems with delivery. One or more of the babies may not be in the correct position to be born. This may cause you to need a C-section to deliver one or more of the babies.
  
  
• Placenta Previa (PREE-vee-ah). This is a problem where the placenta is too low in your uterus. It may be too close to, or even covering the cervix (opening of the uterus).
  
  
• Previous C-sections. The incision (cut) made in your uterus during a previous C-section may leave a weak spot in your uterus. This can cause problems with labor and delivery in pregnancies that follow.
  
  
• Prolapsed Cord. The umbilical (um-BIL-i-kal) cord connects your baby to the placenta. When a baby is being delivered through the vagina, the umbilical cord should follow after the baby. If the cord comes out before the baby, this is called a prolapsed cord. During a vaginal delivery, a prolapsed cord can get squeezed and stop blood flow to your baby. The cord can block the passage or wrap around the baby's neck or body during a vaginal delivery.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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