Delivery by Caesarean section

The term "caesarean" is derived from the latin word "caedere" meaning "to cut." Caesarerean section is a surgical operation which has minimum risks for both mother and baby. Babies born by caesarean section, that is, extracted by surgically incising the mother's uterus, are identical to babies born by vaginal delivery. It is rather the mother who may regret missing the natural delivery of her baby.

Signs which motivate caesarean section include

 

• Previous caesarean sections due to a pelvic abnormality
• Breech presentation or any other presentation making childbirth difficult
• Disproportion between the baby's head and the pelvic inlet which make vaginal delivery impossible;
• Toxemia of pregnancy not responsive to medical therapy requires prompt delivery to protect mother and baby.
• Placenta previa or an abnormally-inserted placenta in the lower uterine segment: if the placenta partially or completely covers the internal os, caesarean section is required. Cases of placenta previa can be diagnosed by ultrasound performed before labour starts, or during dilation of the cervix.
• A retroplacental hematoma or toxemia of pregnancy, especially with bleeding or foetal distress.
• In case of postdatism refractory to induction, when the expected date of delivery has absolutely passed. In such instances, the placenta stops providing nutritional material necessary for the foetus.
• Hypertension, depending on its severity, can be the reason for a caesarean.
• Lack of progression of labour as a result of contractions that are not effective despite infusions of oxytocin, and documented adequacy on a tocometer.
• Foetal distress determined by electronic monitoring of the foetus; a caesarean section can then become necessary.
• A caesarean section in a primipara does not mean that it must be repeated for a second or subsequent delivery.

If a caesarean is performed because of foetal distress, you can usually hope to have a vaginal delivery in a subsequent pregnancy. But if the caesarean was necessary because of a chronic disorder or an abnormality in pelvic morphology, you will likely require another caesarean. Another cesarean can be planned cautiously, based on your obstetrician's strict advice.