A caesarean section is a major surgical operation in which your baby is born through a cut in your abdomen and uterus.
A caesarean is a major operation that carries a number of risks, so it's usually only done if it's the safest option for you and your baby.
A Caesarean section can be classified as either 'elective' (planned) or 'emergency'.
Medicare Coverage for a C-Section
Since a C-section is performed in a hospital and requires a hospital stay during recovery, Medicare Part A benefits provide coverage to pregnant recipients who require this surgery for delivery of their baby.
For patients with private health insurance who had a Caesarean section (no complications) in a private setting across all of Australia, 51% had an out-of-pocket cost. Of those: Patients typically paid: $450, Medicare paid: $1,000, Insurer typically paid: $2,000. Typical specialists' fees: $3,500.
Why have a planned caesarean? About 3 out of every 5 caesarean births in Australia are planned (elective). Sometimes health problems or pregnancy complications mean that a caesarean birth would be safer than a vaginal birth.
“So, every patient is different and every case is unique. However, from the current medical evidence, most medical authorities do state that if multiple C-sections are planned, the expert recommendation is to adhere to the maximum number of three.”
We know that every patient has a different labor and delivery experience, but in general, it takes around six weeks to completely heal from your C-section. “We realize many of our patients also face the challenge of caring for the baby while they're recovering,” said Dr. Son.
Labor that isn't progressing (labor dystocia) is one of the most common reasons for a C-section. Issues with labor progression include prolonged first stage (prolonged dilation or opening of the cervix) or prolonged second stage (prolonged time of pushing after complete cervical dilation).
You won't feel any pain during the C-section, although you may feel sensations like pulling and pressure. Most women are awake and simply numbed from the waist down using regional anesthesia (an epidural and/or a spinal block) during a C-section. That way, they are awake to see and hear their baby being born.
A C-section, also called a cesarean section or cesarean delivery, is a surgical procedure in which a baby is delivered through incisions in your abdomen and uterus. They're performed when a vaginal delivery is not possible or safe, or when the health of you or your baby is at risk.
A c-section (short for cesarean birth) is surgery in which your baby is born through a cut that your doctor makes in your belly and uterus (womb). Most babies are born through vaginal birth. But if there are problems with your pregnancy or with your baby's health, you may need to have your baby by c-section.
A cesarean delivery is relatively safe for you and your baby. But it is still a major surgery, and it carries risks. They may include: Infection.
Caesarean section is a relatively safe operation; however, possible complications include infection, damage to your internal organs, an increased risk of respiratory distress for your baby and complications with future pregnancies.
Babies born by Caesarean section have dramatically different gut bacteria to those born vaginally, according to the largest study in the field. The UK scientists say these early encounters with microbes may act as a "thermostat" for the immune system.
It's important to get out of bed and walk around within 24 hours after surgery. This can help ease gas pains, help you have a bowel movement, and prevent blood clots.
Walking after c-section is encouraged and should be your go to for the first few weeks. You'll start to notice day to day movement getting easier and less discomfort lifting baby or moving around.
It's best to wait until you've had your 6-8 week postnatal check with your GP before returning to your pre-pregnancy levels of exercise. If you weren't very active before your pregnancy, this is a good time to start exercising. Try to build up gradually and stop if you have any pain.
Long-Term Effects of C-Sections
Children born by C-section also suffer increased rates of diseases, including asthma, type I diabetes, allergies, obesity, as well as reduced overall cognitive functioning and lower academic performance.
Once the baby is delivered the uterus is closed with a double layer of stitching. Four of the five remaining layers are stitched with a single layer of stitching, but one layer is not restitched as it heals better – with no buckling and reduced chance of scar tissue developing, without restitiching.
If you're having a second C-section, normally your surgeon will attempt to cut through the same scar. This might not be possible if there's lots of scar tissue in the area, or if the scar tissue is too thick to cut through.
Bring music, books, inspirational photos etc to help you feel calm as you wait. You might even say a few words to baby as you prepare to meet him. If your cesarean is not planned or perhaps it was your greatest fear or worry, ask for a couple of minutes to adjust to this new reality before the birth.
Your stomach must be empty for surgery. We do not want food from your stomach to get into your lungs during surgery. Your surgery will be delayed if you do not or cannot follow these instructions.
Some have attributed the significant rise in CS rates to the increase in older and more obese pregnant women (RANZCOG – AIHW releases data on caesarean section in Australia). Indeed, age ≥35 years and obesity can increase the chances of health issues including high blood pressure, diabetes, and multiple pregnancies.