Cost of cesarean section by state

What is a cesarean section?

A cesarean section, also called a C-section, is when a baby is delivered by a surgical procedure. An incision is made through the abdomen and uterus to deliver the baby.

You may need a cesarean section if: 

• your labor isn’t progressing.
• your baby begins to show signs of distress during labor.
• your baby is in a position that makes vaginal delivery difficult or unsafe.
• you are carrying two or more babies.
• there is a problem with your placenta.
• the umbilical cord has prolapsed.
• you have underlying health problems that complicate labor.
• you’ve already had one C-section.

What are the types of Caesarean section?

There are a few types of Cesarean sections that are classified by the way the incision is made. 

The low transverse incision is the most common type of c-section. You may also hear this referred to as a “bikini” incision. The horizontal incision is made low on the abdomen.

A low vertical incision is a c-section with an incision low on the abdomen, but the incision is up and down (vertical) instead of side to side (horizontal). This incision will be below the belly button to right above the pubic bone.

The final type of incision is the classical incision. This incision is also vertical but is larger than the low vertical and located in the center of the abdomen.

How painful is a cesarean?

You will not feel any pain during the cesarean section operation. Usually, you will remain awake and receive epidural or spinal anesthesia that will make you numb from the waist down. When the cesarean section is performed this way, you’ll be able to see and hear your baby immediately after it is born. 

Sometimes a cesarean is an emergency procedure and may require general anesthesia. Under those circumstances, you’ll be completely asleep during the surgery.

After a cesarean section, you’ll feel some discomfort at the incision once the anesthesia wears off. Your surgeon will prescribe medication that will help you feel comfortable while you recover. Cesarean recovery will take a little longer than a vaginal delivery, and you’ll stay in the hospital for three to four days. You’ll need to avoid lifting anything heavier than your baby until your surgeon tells you it is okay.

How long does it take to get a cesarean section?

The cesarean section surgery will take about 45 minutes. Once the baby is delivered, the doctor will close the incisions in your uterus and abdomen with stitches, staples, and/or glue.

Why is it called a cesarean section?

The origins of the term cesarean are not entirely clear, but it is believed that it was named after Julius Caesar. One legend states that Caesar was born by surgical delivery; later in life, Caesar decreed that dead or dying women who were pregnant should undergo a cesarean section to save the child and increase the population.

What are the side effects of cesarean delivery?

While the cesarean section is generally a safe procedure, there are some potential complications. These include:

• infection
• blood loss or hemorrhage
• blood clots
• injury to other internal organs during the surgery
• complications from anesthesia
• increased risk during a future pregnancy
• breathing problems for the baby
• injury to the baby

What should I avoid after C-section?

After a C-section, your body will need some time to rest and heal. Having someone to help you at home will be a big help during your recovery. 

Follow these guidelines when you go home after a c-section:

• Don’t lift anything heavier than your baby until your healthcare provider tells you it is okay.
• Avoid sex until your healthcare provider tells you it is okay.
• Don’t use tampons or douche.
• Don’t take a tub bath until your incision is healed and  you are no longer bleeding.
• Avoid public pools and hot tubs.
• Don’t exercise until your healthcare provider tells you it is okay.