Cesarean Section

When you have a C-section, a surgeon makes a three- to four-inch horizontal or vertical incision in your abdomen, just above your pubic hair line, and the muscles underneath are separated. A similar incision is made in your uterus, causing the amniotic sac surrounding your baby (or babies) to rupture and the baby is delivered. The umbilical cord is cut and the placenta is removed. In most cases, your baby (or babies) will be handed to you to hold following a short examination.

Most C-sections are done under regional anesthesia—an epidural block or a spinal block—so you can stay awake for the delivery and have a more direct experience during childbirth. This type of anesthesia will numb only the lower part of your body. If there’s an emergency, however, your surgical team might use general anesthesia.

C-section is a safe procedure: About one-third of American births are by Cesarean. You should also know that Hancock Regional Hospital has been rated one of the safest hospitals in America by The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit health care watchdog organization; and was named the safest hospital in Indiana on the Lown Institute Hospital Index.

Some of the possible side effects of regional anesthesia include low blood pressure, nausea and vomiting, shivering, back pain, tingling in the lower part of your body, headache, and itching.

When you’re having a baby, the only alternative to having Cesarean surgery is a vaginal birth.

Most mothers and infants do well following a C-section. Also, having a cesarean for one delivery doesn’t mean you’ll have one for your subsequent deliveries.

Your OB/GYN physician will discuss C-sections with you and will be prepared to perform the surgery if necessary.

You can always get a second or third opinion, but it isn’t required. In the case of an emergency C-section, your doctor might recommend that a quick decision, without a second opinion, is important for the health and safety of you, your baby, or both.

Your health history will be compiled and available to them before, during, and after surgery. If you’re a Hancock Health patient, we will be able to access your records within our system. If you aren’t, we will work with your doctors to get the necessary information.

Consult the Price Transparency Tool at HancockRegionalHospital.org for an idea of how much a C-section might cost.

Hancock Health is committed to helping make great care affordable for all patients. To find out more about payment options, please visit the billing and insurance FAQ page at HancockRegionalHospital.org.

The night before your C-section, you’ll shower at home with an antiseptic soap and you’ll be asked not to shave your pubic hair or abdomen. About eight hours before your C-section, you’ll be asked to stop eating solid foods. You’ll still be able to have clear liquids until two hours before the procedure, when you should stop eating and drinking everything. In the days before your procedure, your doctor might also recommend blood tests—these will provide your blood type and other information your surgical team will need if you require a blood transfusion, which is unlikely. 

You and your partner will arrive several hours before your surgery and you’ll both be escorted to the preoperative waiting area.You’ll remove all of your clothing and jewelry, and put on a hospital gown. (Your valuables will be placed in a secure area or may be given to your partner.) You’ll sign any necessary paperwork and a preoperative nurse will take your vital signs, review your medications, and answer any questions.You’ll meet the members of your surgery team. Your abdomen will be cleansed. A catheter will be placed into your bladder to collect your urine during and immediately after the procedure. An I.V. (intravenous line) will be placed in your hand or arm to provide medications and fluid. You’ll receive regional anesthesia, which will numb the lower part of your body.When it’s time for the procedure, you’ll be wheeled into the operating suite on a stretcher.

In addition to the surgeon, you have an anesthesiologist, nurses—some of them specialize in working with patients and others assist the surgeon—and support staff, who get you checked in and out, compile your records, and more. They all work together, performing their individual jobs, so the procedure is as successful as possible. 

You’ll stay in the hospital for two to four days following your cesarean section, so you’ll need to pack for that. A checklist is below. Your nightgown, robe, and slippers Nursing bras and supportive postpartum underwear ToiletriesDry shampoo (in case you can’t shower right away), hairbrush, hair ties Contact lenses or glassesA comfortable pillowClothes for your stay, including elastic-waist pants or comfortable dressesHeadphones

During surgery, your view of your abdomen will be blocked by a small screen and your surgical team will track your vital signs as your surgeon performs the C-section. You might breathe oxygen through a mask. After the baby is delivered, your surgeon will stitch up your uterus and the incision in your abdomen.  

A C-section typically takes about 45 minutes.

You’ll stay in the hospital for two to three days.

You’ll likely be able to hold your baby immediately. You’ll be taken to a postpartum recovery area, where nurses will monitor bleeding from your vagina and incision, blood pressure, and temperature. They will also massage your uterus so it will contract and shrink to its normal size. You may feel a little shaky from the pain medication. You might be offered ice chips and clear broth.

You’ll be able to talk to your surgeon immediately after the procedure.

You’ll likely be given additional pain medication through your IV. You’ll be able to control the amount by pushing a button.

By the time you go home, you will probably only need over-the-counter pain medications. But your doctor might give you a prescription for pain medication in case you become uncomfortable.

Following your C-section, you’ll likely be advised to have a helper at home—either your partner, a family member, a friend, or a combination of the three. If you live alone, our associates can help you find a temporary caretaker. Below is a checklist of advance preparations that will make your postpartum period easier.  Prepare a place to recover on your home’s first floor, as you will likely be discouraged from climbing stairs.Create a place for any overnight visitors who are helping you. Include clean sheets, towels, and toiletries.Shop for the groceries you’ll need when you return from the hospital—we suggest healthy meals and a lot of hydrating liquids. Organize your home so you can get to necessary items and places without twisting or bending too much.Have nursing bras, nursing pads, a postpartum belly band, and supportive postpartum underwear on hand.Have extra heavy menstrual pads on hand.

Your internal stitches will dissolve on their own a few days after the C-section. If you have staples, they will likely be removed before your release from the hospital. After your incision heals, you can expect some scarring, which is usually small and below the bikini line.

If your incision becomes infected, comes open, or you have another kind of emergency, call your surgeon’s office. If you’re in need of immediate emergency services, go to the nearest emergency room.