In our article, we will talk about what a cesarean section is, when and to whom it should be. The possible consequences of this operation will also be considered. The article will be useful both to those who are expecting the birth of their firstborn, and to those who are preparing to become a mother for the second or third time.
Benefits of Caesarean Section
The main advantage of this operation is the successful birth of a child. Through this operation, this is possible even in situations where natural childbirth can cause the death of not only the baby, but also the mother. For this reason, when there is evidence for a planned operation, then the pros and cons of a Caesarean section can not be reasoned, but rather agree to the operation. The health of mother and child always comes first.
Another plus of Caesarean section is that the genitals will remain in their original form. There will be no seams and tears. This makes it possible in the postpartum period to avoid a certain kind of problems related to sexual life. Among other things, there will be no rupture of the cervix, exacerbation of a disease such as hemorrhoids, or omission of the pelvic organs, including the bladder. In general, the genitourinary system will remain unchanged.
Another plus of caesarean section is speed. The operation will take much less time than the entire process of childbirth. Often women must endure labor pains for several hours and wait until the birth canal is fully opened. With a cesarean section (the photo below shows how the operation is performed) this is not required. A simple scheduled operation will begin on time. Most likely, it will be as close as possible to the expected date and the beginning of labor in this case does not have an effect.
Cons Caesarean section
One of the very important disadvantages of the operation is the psychological state of the woman. As you know, after the natural process of childbirth, there is a risk of postpartum depression. But she will disappear with frequent contact with the child. But after a cesarean section, a large number of women will feel the incorrectness or incompleteness of everything that happens. However, initially some girls do not feel connected with their own child.
The restriction in physical activity is another minus. Sometimes women who have undergone surgery have an extremely difficult time. They need to look not only exclusively at the child, but also pay some attention to the treatment of wounds after surgery. Recovery from this process will be very difficult and long.
After the operation, you will not be able to pick up the child in a standing position. Especially when the baby was born extremely large. For this reason, during the first month, mother will need systematic help.
Physical activities, such as carrying heavy objects, sudden movements, as well as relationships of a sexual plan will have to be postponed a little. After the operation, abdominal pain may occur for a long time, as well as a feeling of stretched sutures that interfere with normal life.
After the healing of the wound, a very large scar remains, which over time will be virtually invisible.
Childbirth after surgery
When the first birth was resolved by cesarean section, it is necessary to take into account certain features during the planning of another baby. During the operation, surgeons cut the abdominal cavity and uterus, after which a scar will form on it, which can disperse at any time. For example, in the process of another pregnancy or childbirth.
How much time should pass before a future pregnancy from the moment of cesarean section? In the reviews, women write that 2-3 years. It is this period that gynecologists indicate to their patients. However, do not forget that even after pregnancy after 5 years, there is a chance of a seam divergence, since the tissues during this period will be very stiff.
How repeated birth will take place after cesarean section depends on many factors. For example, when there are indisputable indications for the implementation of this operation, sometimes there is simply no other way out. In the event of complications in the process of childbirth, only with the help of surgery is it possible to save the life of both the mother and the baby.
However, a fairly large number of women believe that the main criterion for the operation is that past births were performed through cesarean section. This is far from the case. Gynecologists say that it is better when the second birth after cesarean section is natural. In such a situation, the uterus will not again be subject to medical intervention. Then the restoration of the body will be much faster and easier than after the second surgical intervention.
Why does pain occur after surgery?
It is worth saying that absolutely all women in labor, without exception, suffer from pain in the postoperative period. No matter how high the doctor’s qualifications, as a result of Caesarean section, a large amount of a woman’s body tissue gets hit.
Of course, it will take some time to restore them. One woman will have enough months to fully recover and forget about the unpleasant operation, but another will be few and six months to fully recover.
Stitch hurts
In the first 7 days, or even longer, pain after a cesarean section in the suture area torment the woman constantly. During movement, injured tissue will always make itself felt. The dense and strong seam with which the cut tissues were gathered together puts pressure on them, and hence pain arises. Until the effect of the pain medication after anesthesia passes, the woman will not feel it. However, as soon as the analgesics cease to function, pain will begin to appear. It is worth noting that this phenomenon is not abnormal. The same goes for nausea and dizziness in the first days after surgery. To endure pain after a cesarean section will be necessary for a week. At this time, it is naturally possible to take painkillers. However, many simply refuse to feed the baby.
The scar hurts. Why is this happening?
When tissue damaged during surgery heals, the suture becomes a dense scar. It can also bring a woman some inconvenience. As a rule, a young mother feels a tingling sensation in this place, as well as dull pain. This condition is not dangerous to life and health.
Within 14 days after a cesarean section in a woman’s reviews, they write that it’s worth monitoring not only their own feelings, but also systematically inspecting the seam. The wound should be completely clean. Not even the smallest amount of pus is allowed. Pain in the head and a sharp increase in temperature say that there is a need to visit a doctor.
Intestinal pain. Why is this happening?
Surgical intervention in the process of childbirth will in any case affect the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as increased gas formation after the operation. A large level of gas accumulation in the intestines can cause a woman severe pain. To get rid of the presented problem, it is necessary to initially normalize intestinal motility. The necessary drugs can only be prescribed by a doctor. Self-medication is not necessary.
Caesarean section: pros and cons for the baby
Many believe that it is the operation that will help save the child from the fear and pain that he experiences during the natural birth. This is actually not the case. The main problem of the operation is that the child does not go through the process that mother nature had planned for him.
What are the pros and cons of cesarean section for a child? It is worth saying that there are no unambiguous situations. A negative point is the fact that a child born in this way may simply experience shock, and as a result, his immunity will decrease, and his susceptibility to diseases of an infectious nature will also appear.
The need for a bandage after surgery
The bandage is necessary to maintain good tone and tightening of the abdominal muscles. After a natural birth, he can become an assistant in the return of the abdomen to the antenatal state. But wearing it is optional.
In a situation where a Caesarean section occurred, the use of a bandage makes the recovery process a little easier. With him, a woman will return to her former way of life much faster, and will very easily endure physical activities that will be combined with caring for her child.
If after a caesarean section the bandage is put on, then in this case it will support the suture and injured muscles. It will also help prevent the displacement of organs inside, improve uterine contractions. A large number of obstetricians suggests that all women who have completed a Caesarean section never refuse to wear a bandage.
However, it should be noted that exceptions occur. With a number of some complications, the bandage cannot be used in principle, or it is important to consult a specialist before using it.
Indications for use
In addition to the desire to restore body shape before pregnancy, there are some medical indications regarding the use of a bandage after surgery. It is shown under the following conditions:
- sensations of pain in the lower abdomen;
- muscles tighten in the seam area;
- pathology and disease of the spine;
- insufficient uterine contractions.
Contraindications
However, a specialist will decide on the need to wear a bandage in certain situations. The doctor has the right to prohibit its use when:
- suture inflammation occurred;
- there were changes in the digestive tract;
- an allergy to the material from which the bandage is made;
- swelling due to renal or cardiac pathology;
- there was a skin disease in places of contact with the surface of the bandage.
Opinions on the permissibility of using a belt to maintain a vertical seam constantly diverge. Some experts argue that this will not be useful, while others strongly recommend that women in labor use a bandage.
Abdomen after surgery
The abdomen after cesarean section remains, as after childbirth. It will disturb many women. After natural childbirth, in order to get rid of it faster and make the abdominal muscles stronger, it is allowed to pump the press and perform other physical exercises.
However, after caesarean section, such exercises may be performed much later, since surgery was performed. Experienced doctors are not allowed to load the stomach for 6 months. It is necessary to give time so that the internal as well as the external sutures heal. When the woman does begin to perform physical exercises, it is important to go to the doctor for a consultation.
The abdomen after cesarean section can be removed only by applying a large amount of effort and patience. Really. According to statistics, the body needs as much time to resume past forms as it is to bear a child.
When there is a desire to get rid of the abdomen after a cesarean section, you need to be patient and not try to exhaust yourself with diets. A woman needs to eat properly to cope with heavy loads. The child needs milk, which only the mother can give.
It is worthwhile to carefully monitor your own nutrition and not eat for two. The mother needs to limit herself in the amount of food, in no case do not allow overeating. You must try to avoid high-calorie and completely useless foods. Otherwise, the woman runs the risk of not removing the stomach, but rather - to grow it after childbirth.
Even when a woman wants to get rid of her abdomen as soon as possible after surgery, you should not start playing sports in an intensive mode. Scars on the uterus need rest. It is more often to go for walks with the child, do house cleaning, carry the baby in her arms, and also engage in light, but at the same time active dancing. You need to carry out the most ordinary daily activities, but do not overload yourself. Do not forget about rest if you feel tired.
In order to get rid of the abdomen after cesarean section, you should wear a special bandage designed for the postpartum period. It is best to buy a special bandage, which will hold your back, the space under your stomach. Postpartum bandage covers the entire space, starting from the chest and ending with the femur.
The presented bandage will perfectly retract the stomach, which visually creates the effect of harmony.
Now knowing what a cesarean section is (the photo has been rearranged in the article for clarity), you will not be so scared to decide on this operation. We hope you find this information useful.