Cesarean section can be planned for an emergency. You may be wondering what to expect. This article is to help you get a quick overview of what you should expect
Before the surgery, you will have done some laboratory investigations requested by your doctor to make sure you are fit. The anesthetist will also examine you to make sure you are fit
Some drugs will be requested and they have to be made ready before the surgery
In some cases you will be expected to donate some blood before the procedure so it can be used for you in case the need arises.
1. Shaving, catheter, I V line. You will be shaved to the level of your navel. In iv line will be secured for your blood samples and for iv infusions
2. You will fast for about 6 hours before the surgery if it’s not an emergency. You may be allowed to take your medications with little water if you have have conditions like Preeclampsia etc
3. Consent form. This is a legal document you sign to show you agree to the procedure and that you are aware of the risks and benefits of the surgery. Without your consent or signing this document, no doctor will perform the procedure. Make sure you really understand before signing the document
4. Anesthesia. This is given to you before the procedure commences. It is generally local spinal anesthesia. A general anesthesia is sometimes given depending on your situation. This makes you not feel the pain during the procedure. The anesthetist also makes sure you are fit throughout the procedure
5. Procedure will be done and the baby will be shown to you. The doctor will Carry out the procedure to deliver your baby. A midwife receives the baby and cleans her. She will show the baby to you so you identify the sex. Depending on the hospital they will initiate breastfeeding if baby and mum are fit
6. Pain relief. After the procedure you will continue with analgesics which will be given every 6 hours to relieve you of your pain. They don’t have to wait for your pain to commence before giving you pain medications. Always tell your doctor if you experience any form of pain
7. Lying on your back. After the procedure you will be made to lie on your back for some time. Do well to cooperate to prevent headaches and side effects that come as a result of the anesthesia. Move when you are asked to do so
8. Nil per os. After the procedure you may want to eat something before due to hunger. Wait until your doctor has confirmed that bowel sounds have returned and you can eat. You will start with some tea leaf, then light diet then later your normal diet
9. You will be encouraged to move around after the procedure. Within the first 24 hours you will be encouraged to walk about. This will help in the healing process.
10. Wound care and self care. Report if you are bleeding, having severe pain from the wound site or there is abnormal discharge. Go for wound dressing, take your prescribed medications and have passive exercise to promote healing.
11. Breastfeeding your baby. Breastfeeding is not easy. As you deal with the pain from your wound site you will have to deal with breastfeeding your little one. Get help when you need it. If your pain is well managed breastfeeding may be easier
12. Taking your medication. As I mentioned take your medications with care
13 Discharge from the hospital. All things being equal, when you are fit you will be discharged from the hospital. When you can walk around, your wound has started healing nicely mostly on the third day, your baby is fit and breastfeeding.
14. Go for follow up visits. Report if there is fever, wound infection or you feel sick.
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