Childbirth through cesarean section - indications and types, preparation for surgery, conduct and postoperative care. Caesarean section: when indicated, types and technique, postoperative period Operation Caesarean section time of operation

Timing, duration and progress of the operation

All pregnant women experience fear before childbirth. And it’s even worse if the birth takes place not naturally, but by caesarean section. But to make it not so scary, let's figure out why a caesarean section is performed, at what time the operation is usually performed, how long it takes and consider the entire course of the operation.

During pregnancy monitoring, the doctor makes a recommendation on how the birth should proceed. If a woman’s pregnancy is progressing normally, then most likely the birth will take place naturally. If there are any abnormalities during pregnancy or during the birth itself, then doctors may decide to perform the birth by cesarean section.

There are emergency and planned caesarean sections:

• prescribed during pregnancy. In this case, the woman in labor prepares for the operation in advance, undergoes all the necessary examinations and, at a predetermined stage of pregnancy, is admitted to the pathology department. The most common indications for elective caesarean section are:
• premature placental abruption;
• hemolytic disease of the fetus;
• multiple pregnancy;
• severe form of gestosis;
• absolutely narrow pelvis;
• transverse position of the fetus, etc.
• Emergency caesarean section carried out in case of unforeseen complications directly during childbirth that threaten the health of the mother or child. The health of both the child and the mother may depend on the timeliness of the decision to perform the operation. In such situations, the qualifications of the doctor and the determination of the woman in labor are very important (after all, the operation cannot be performed without her consent).

Optimal timing

A planned caesarean section is usually performed at 40 weeks of pregnancy. This is the optimal time for the operation - if the fetus is of sufficient weight, it is already considered full-term, and the child’s lungs are developed enough for him to breathe on his own.

With a repeat caesarean section, the timing of the operation is shifted downwards - it is done a couple of weeks earlier than the planned date of birth, usually the 38th week of pregnancy.

This approach allows you to avoid the onset of contractions, which reduces the risk of various complications during surgery. Remember that only a doctor can correctly determine at what time to perform a cesarean section in each specific case.

Preparing for surgery

A woman in labor who is scheduled for a planned cesarean section is usually sent to the hospital about a week before the operation. If a woman wants to stay at home, she can come to the hospital on the day the operation will take place. But this is permissible only in the absence of severe complications and in good health of the mother and child.

Postoperative period

After the operation, painkillers are usually prescribed, since the woman experiences severe pain after a caesarean section. Also, depending on the woman’s condition, the doctor may prescribe various medications, such as antibiotics, or supplements that improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

You can get up after surgery no earlier than six hours later. It is also recommended to buy a postoperative bandage, which will greatly improve the condition when walking.

Nutrition after surgery must be special - on the first day after a caesarean section, you can only drink plain water.

On the second day, a woman can try soups, cereals and other liquid foods.

On the third day, with proper recovery, you can eat any food that is allowed during lactation.

If you are still scheduled for a planned caesarean section, then you should not be afraid. Most often, fear of cesarean section occurs due to insufficient awareness of the operation. Knowing exactly what she has to go through, it is much easier for a woman to psychologically prepare herself for the upcoming events.

Sometimes, to complete labor, it is necessary to remove the baby through the incised abdominal wall. The expectant mother should know what a caesarean section is, how long the intervention lasts, what the risks are for the child and the complications for the woman.

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Indications for caesarean section

When the passage of the fetus through the birth canal in a natural way is impossible or pose a danger to the child and mother, perform a caesarean section. The following indications are absolute for the operation:

• narrow pelvis;
• premature birth;
• multiple births;
• uterine bleeding;
• pregnancy complications;
• severe myopia;
• heart pathologies;
• lateral position of the child when contractions begin;
• the head comes with an extension insert;
• fetal hypoxia.

During caesarean section, newborn extracted through the dissected abdominal and uterine walls.

There are planned interventions, which are carried out according to absolute indications and carefully prepared, and emergency ones.

Its necessity arises during difficult labor.

Surgery is impossible without anesthesia, otherwise the mother may die due to traumatic shock.

The duration of the operation depends on the type of anesthesia. A caesarean section is performed when completion of labor in the traditional way is not possible.

Types of anesthesia

Depending on the situation, surgical intervention is performed under general or local (local) anesthesia. A woman in labor is prepared for a planned operation 7–14 days before the expected resolution. She is hospitalized and monitored for the progress of her pregnancy. Preoperative preparation is carried out, saline solution is injected dripwise to saturate the tissues with moisture in order to compensate for possible blood loss.

The day before, the woman is advised to refuse dinner and is given an enema to avoid provoking vomiting under the influence of anesthetics. What anesthesia is used for caesarean section during planned operations? Prepared patients are given local anesthesia. In surgical obstetric practice, epidural or spinal anesthesia is in demand.

Epidural anesthesia

Caesarean section with epidural anesthesia differs in that the woman is conscious. An anesthetic is injected into the cavity of the spinal canal in the lumbar region. How long does it take to inject the anesthetic into the epidural canal? The procedure takes 12–15 minutes.

Complete pain relief in most cases occurs within half an hour.

Then a screen is placed in front of the woman in labor at chest level to deprive her of the opportunity to observe the progress of the operation.

It takes 7–10 minutes to make the necessary incisions and remove the baby. Stitching and antiseptic treatment may take 1/3–2/3 hour.

How long does a caesarean section last? From the start of drug administration to the application of the last suture, 60–90 minutes pass.

Caesarean section with epidural anesthesia has the following advantages:

• the negative impact of the anesthetic on pressure drops and heart function is minimized;
• there is no risk of vomit getting into the respiratory tract;
• duration of the analgesic effect and the possibility of its prolongation;
• quick recovery from the narcotic state, a day later you are allowed to get up;
• The child can be picked up immediately after the manipulation.

The method has one serious drawback - anesthesia is performed by an inexperienced anesthesiologist fraught with negative consequences. The decision on how to perform the operation - under general or epidural anesthesia - is made by the woman in labor. She may be afraid that during the operation she will feel numbness in half of her body.

Spinal anesthesia

It differs in that the anesthetic is injected deeper- into the subarachnoid cavity exactly between the second and third dorsal vertebrae. Therefore, pain relief occurs faster. Otherwise, the analgesic effect is similar to that of the epidural method.

The differences between anesthesia methods are shown in the table.

Important! The duration of the operation depends on the method of anesthesia, ranging from 1/3 to 3/2 hours. If there is a choice, doctors recommend performing the operation under local anesthesia.

Unpleasant consequences after cesarean section include scars remaining on the abdomen, the need to suspend intimate life for several months, limit physical activity and physical activity.

General anesthesia

Systemic anesthesia is used in the following situations:

• the woman refuses to undergo surgery under local anesthesia;
• epidural and spinal methods are contraindicated;
• pathological labor develops and emergency surgery is required.

Before surgery, the mother's stomach is cleared of food masses using a probe. When the drug is administered intravenously, the anesthesia acts quickly.

How long does a caesarean section last if general anesthesia is used? Under optimal conditions the operation lasts 25–40 minutes.

However, the duration of the procedure may be prolonged with a repeat caesarean section. After the previous intervention, adhesions form, making access to the uterus difficult.

They have to be cut carefully. Obstetricians recommend performing the intervention under local anesthesia, because systemic anesthesia can cause harm to the health of the child and mother.

General anesthesia is characterized by the following disadvantages:

• hypoxia of the woman in labor, caused by a decrease in lung volume;
• aspiration;
• increase in blood pressure;
• depression of the nervous system and respiratory dysfunction in the newborn.

Stark modification

A woman can undergo surgery under systemic anesthesia using the Stark modification. How long does this procedure take? To an experienced surgeon 1/4–1/3 hour is enough to complete it. The child is taken out 2 minutes after the incision of the abdominal wall.

How is a cesarean operation performed in the Stark modification? The procedure includes the following steps:

• the abdominal wall is passed using a suprapubic transverse incision;
• the uterus is opened, the fetus is removed along with the placenta;
• suturing defects, restoring the integrity of the abdominal wall.

The method has the following advantages:

• the time allotted for surgery and associated blood loss is reduced;
• the need for painkillers is reduced;
• women quickly recover from anesthesia and can put the baby to the breast after 2 hours;
• it becomes possible to do without taking antimicrobial agents;
• You are allowed to get up after 6–8 hours.

The main disadvantage of this method is stomach scar, located above the bikini line.

How long does it take to recover from anesthesia? There are individual fluctuations.

After a caesarean section, a woman wakes up from half-asleep for 2-4 hours. But the observation of the anesthesiologist continues for 24 hours.

The period of gradual recovery of reflexes is characterized by the following unpleasant symptoms:

• You may have a headache for three days;
• nausea, vomiting;
• cough;
• insomnia;
• sense of anxiety;
• irritability.

Postoperative recovery

Before surgery, a woman in labor should know how to behave during rehabilitation. This takes months. In this period the uterus is reduced, regaining its original size, the seams are scarred. Please pay attention to the following rules of conduct:

• the first day, fasting and non-carbonated drinking are indicated;
• from the second day, sweet tea, porridge, yogurt, boiled lean meat are allowed;
• the transition to normal nutrition lasts a week;
• to prevent constipation, you should purchase probiotic products in advance, after consulting with your obstetrician;
• the pain of the scarring suture is relieved with analgesics;
• it is necessary to monitor vaginal discharge; it is considered normal if, gradually decreasing in volume, it stops after 2–3 weeks;
• has a beneficial effect on the healing process;
• intimate relationships are resumed after mandatory quarantine (40 days).

Note! For a caesarean section, exercise is allowed after at least nine weeks, and sports for six months after the operation.

Useful video: review of cesarean section surgery

Conclusion

From the beginning of the administration of the anesthetic to the application of the last suture for epidural anesthesia, 60–90 minutes pass. The spinal method shortens the operation by a third of an hour. With general anesthesia in the traditional version, a caesarean section lasts 45 minutes, and in the Stark modification - 22–25 minutes.

How long does a caesarean section last? There are different cases, and the duration depends on many factors: complications during childbirth, planned or emergency surgery, the competence of the team, etc. The minimum time period is 25 minutes, but this event can last 2 hours.

Human factor

If the pregnancy is 38 weeks, then it is classified as full-term. In this case, we are talking about the fact that the patient should prepare for childbirth. At the present stage, many patients want to undergo surgery, but not go through the path of natural birth. But there are some patients who cannot give birth without medical intervention.

Indications for the operation:

• a woman has a narrow pelvis;
• weakness of labor;
• premature placental abruption.

All these and other cases suggest that it is necessary to seek help from a surgeon who uses a cesarean section to solve the problem. This is an operation during which the surgeon opens the uterus. To do this, an appropriate incision is made in the abdominal cavity. The purpose of the procedure: to remove the child safe and sound.

If the operation is planned, then the patient is prepared for the operation in advance. One of the most pressing issues is the duration of the operation. There is no definite answer in this case, because the duration of this event is influenced by a large number of factors.

The duration of a caesarean section often depends on the human factor. We are talking about the competence of the surgeon who directly performs the operation. It is possible to minimize the duration of the process due to a clearly planned mechanism of action during the process. However, various factors can delay the operation, for example, the doctor’s lack of concentration or unwillingness to make quick decisions in the event of unforeseen situations.

Repeated procedure

The timing of a repeat cesarean section is also an important issue. This process is a stressful situation for the body, which is sometimes difficult to cope with. The main emphasis is blood loss (the minimum volume of lost blood is 350 ml), and this moment has a particularly negative effect on the cardiovascular system.

In addition, surgery is accompanied by damage that affects the tissues that form the abdominal cavity. At the same time, the duration of the recovery process is quite long. A woman’s body, under the influence of these factors, tries to compensate for all these negative processes. As a result, an adhesive process develops, which is associated with the proliferation of connective tissues.

All of the above factors have a direct impact on increasing the duration of reoperation. At the same time, doctors say that it is the adhesions that make access to the uterus difficult. It is difficult to give exact figures on the duration of the operation, since it depends on the development of adhesive disease.

Complications during surgery

How long a cesarean section is performed directly depends on the complications of a particular patient. Attention is paid to the group of septic complications, which include endometritis and sepsis. A fairly big threat is the possibility of injury to adjacent organs, for example, the bladder or intestines.

Complications include bleeding, which can develop due to the fact that the walls of the uterus do not contract properly. There is a risk of losing the uterus. The doctor makes a decision regarding the removal of the organ if the uterus completely loses its ability to contract.

It is necessary to take into account that certain complications appear after the operation is performed. However, a number of complications arise precisely during surgery. So, if damage to the bladder occurs, the duration of the operation will be more than 2 hours.

Planned and urgent surgery

The event in question can be implemented either planned or urgently with minimal preparation. Urgency is determined by the performance of a specific operation. Every pregnant woman is registered, and a specialist collects a detailed medical history. This kind of information allows you to determine how the pregnancy will proceed and what measures should be taken.

If a woman has certain problems, for example, a heart defect, then it is recommended to resort to a caesarean section. According to the plan, the operation can be carried out even when the child is in danger during a natural birth.

Urgent action is a method that is used when labor is disrupted for certain reasons. In this case, the duration of the operation is minimized.

How long after a cesarean section can you return to normal life? Each patient will have a different period, as it depends on a number of additional factors.

Type of anesthesia

Caesarean section can be performed under general anesthesia. Most often it is chosen if the case is emergency. When using general anesthesia, much less time is spent preparing the patient for surgery. During the entire procedure, the patient is asleep and does not feel pain. However, it must be taken into account that general anesthesia can have a negative effect on the fetus; it also takes much longer to recover from general anesthesia after a cesarean section than from regional anesthesia.

Useful video:

It is carried out to the place where the nerve exits the spinal cord. A special substance is injected there, which has an analgesic effect. When the substance begins to act, the entire lower part of the body loses sensitivity, including pain. This type of anesthesia preserves the patient's consciousness.

The most common option is to use an epidural when the surgery is elective. At the same time, the surgeon has time to properly prepare the patient for the operation.

Caesarean sections with spinal anesthesia are performed quite often. This method of pain relief is preferred because it is one of the most effective. Spinal anesthesia is a type of regional anesthesia. It eliminates pain in a specific part of the body. Prescribed for elective surgery.

Every pregnant woman should believe in a positive outcome and trust her doctor. The more confident the patient is, the higher the quality of the doctor’s work.

Caesarean section - a surgical operation in which the fetus and placenta are removed from the uterine cavity through an incision in its wall - was named, according to one version, after Gaius Julius Caesar, who came into the world in this way. Among the numerous obstetric operations, caesarean section is the leader.

A split second was snatched by our photojournalist from eternity, from which a tiny alien appeared (boy? girl? We do not yet know at this very moment the fourth - time - dimension!). A moment, imperceptible in its smallness for us, for him something unimaginable, incomprehensible (maybe terrible? We will never know what!) This child did not come into the world, gradually adapting to new sensations, did not fight for existence, pushing through the maternal the womb is like a sprout, stubbornly piercing the thickness of the earth with its head.

He became earthly with the help of a surgical scalpel and was late to scream right away, because the anesthesia taken by his mother had gotten to him a little too... The strong hands of the surgeon were nearby, and he did not even realize that he was breathing. Perhaps only an astronaut, crushed to the grass after landing by the merciless gravity of the earth, is able to understand what it is like to appear from weightlessness in the blink of an eye into this world.

He was born. Look how lucky this wanderer was - he was greeted with a camera flash, and he immediately became famous. But even such an event is incomparable to the feeling of the first independent breath.

And now the newborn (it’s a girl!) screams and screams, opening her tiny mouth wide, protesting against the energetic actions of the midwife. The first ten minutes of life without a mother.

And the operation will take about half an hour. Professor Evgeniy Alekseevich Chernukha, one of the Caesarean aces, applies stitches. A typical day at the Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences.

In Russia in recent years there have been three times more mothers who do not know what labor pain is. In the United States, this is one fifth of all women giving birth. Is this good or not so good? What should every woman preparing to become a mother know about caesarean section? After reading to the end, you will understand why every...

Answered by Honored Scientist, Professor Evgeniy Alekseevich CHERNUKHA.

Why are there so many more caesarean sections now than before?

Because it has become easier to diagnose obstetric complications and the condition of the unborn child in advance. An ultrasound will determine the weight of the fetus, its position, “see” developmental defects, show where the placenta is located, and make it clear about its premature detachment. Using ultrasound, you can find out about a serious complication - whether the fetus is entwined with the umbilical cord.

Science has also made progress in methods for assessing the size of a woman’s pelvis; it is even possible to “model” whether the baby’s head will fit through it. And modern advances in the treatment of infertility, in vitro fertilization (when the embryo is transferred into the uterine cavity), artificial conception make a caesarean section necessary: ​​after all, for a woman who has finally become a mother, not even a shadow of risk in the birth of a living, healthy baby should be allowed.

Indications for caesarean section

Which women have a cesarean section planned, that is, before spontaneous labor begins? What are the indications for caesarean section?

• With an anatomically narrow pelvis and tumors of its bones;
• if bleeding is detected during placenta previa or if the normally located placenta begins to exfoliate prematurely;
• if the postoperative scar on the uterus is in poor condition;
• if the fetus experiences an acute lack of oxygen;
• if the mother suffers from severe toxicosis that cannot be treated;
• if a woman has a heart defect, severe hypertension, bronchial asthma, diseased kidneys;
• if the expectant mother has high myopia (more than 5 diopters) and there is a risk of serious complications - retinal detachment and blindness (in this case it is important to exclude attempts).

Very often, a planned caesarean section is performed for so-called combined indications. What does it mean?

Let’s say a woman is about to give birth for the first time; according to obstetric canons, she is “elderly” - 30 years and older. Age itself is not the reason: many “elderly primigravidas” cope on their own, although not as easily as it happens. Moreover, the pregnancy is still post-term, the fetus is large, then in addition to age, troubles during childbirth are quite likely! They may be protracted, the child will suffer and even die. To avoid these complications being taken by surprise, surgery is recommended.

And the backstory of such a woman in labor often turns out to be complicated. Many people have already had several abortions by the age of 30. Others have been treated for infertility for a long time. What if this pregnancy is the only one that was saved and carried to completion? Then the question “To be or not to be this woman’s mother?” It depends entirely on the method of delivery...

By the way, a caesarean section is almost always inevitable due to numerous abortions. After them, dystrophic and cicatricial changes form in the uterus, inflammatory processes arise - and a chain of consequences extends into pregnancy: placental insufficiency, weakness of labor, fetal hypoxia...

Cesarean section operation time

How long does a caesarean section take?

Most often about half an hour. If the operation is repeated, it will take longer.

Epidural anesthesia for caesarean section

- What kind of anesthesia does a pregnant woman receive? What types of anesthesia are there for caesarean section?

Anesthesia, as with any abdominal surgery, is necessary. Two types of anesthesia are commonly used.

Intubation (endotracheal): a tube is inserted into the windpipe through which oxygen and nitrous oxide are supplied.

Epidural anesthesia: An anesthetic is injected into what is called the epidural space of the spinal cord in the lumbar region and pain is relieved. And you can even talk to the woman in labor.

Which anesthesia is preferable? Epidural is popular abroad. It is often practiced in Russian maternity hospitals. We at the Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences “love” endotracheal anesthesia more. It is contraindicated only for women with lung diseases and bronchial asthma.

- Does the child also receive anesthesia?

Yes, as long as the fetus and mother are connected by the umbilical cord. Therefore, before the fetus is removed, the woman is given gentle anesthesia, with the most minimal doses. Only when the child is separated is she given deep anesthesia - after all, the surgical field still has to be closed. A newborn under the weak influence of anesthesia may not cry immediately.

The main thing is to breathe - this is what the neonatologist, who is always present at the operation, and the midwife pay attention to. And babies definitely scream - only a little later if there are no complications.

- How long does anesthesia last for a caesarean section?

After a caesarean section, the new mother is placed in a special postpartum ward for the first day, where she recovers from anesthesia, during which time she is monitored by a nurse anesthetist and the anesthesiologist himself. It is easier to recover from spinal anesthesia than from general anesthesia, but the exact time cannot be said, since each woman has her own characteristics, but within 24 hours the woman should already recover from anesthesia and adapt to postoperative existence.

Suture after caesarean section

- What size will the suture be after a caesarean section, will it disfigure the abdomen?

The time of the so-called median incision - between the pubic symphysis and the navel, when a noticeable “groove” ran along the woman’s stomach, has passed. Now they make a transverse suprapubic incision about 12 cm long. It happens that the work is more difficult, but such a suture heals better and looks great cosmetically. In addition, it will then be completely hidden under panties, so you won’t have to be shy on the beach.

- What suture material do surgeons use?

The most common one, which is used during abdominal operations. It is necessary that the threads be aseptic - non-infected, as well as elastic, elastic and, most importantly, dissolved in the tissues. Previously, they sewed with catgut - a natural material made using complex technology from the intestines of sheep; now they use synthetic threads that are in no way inferior to catgut - vicryl, dexon, monocryl.

Consequences of caesarean section for the mother

- What does a mother need to know about the consequences of a cesarean section in the first days and months after the operation?

After a few hours, if everything is over without complications, you can turn around in bed, move your legs, and the next day you can sit up and walk around the room. If the mother is not given antibiotics, the baby will be brought in to feed on the third day. But as after any abdominal surgery, these medications are often necessary. Then you can feed the baby only after stopping the course of treatment.

On the 6-7th day, the stitches will be removed from the abdominal wall, and on the 8-10th day you will be discharged home under the supervision of a doctor at the antenatal clinic. However, the healing of the sutures on the uterus and abdominal wall continues, and you will have to be careful. Do not remove the baby from a low crib or stroller (you can take it from the changing table and hold it in your arms). In the first 2-3 months, do not lift more than 5 kg from the ground. You can't wash the floors.

Perhaps, within a month or even several, the consequence of a cesarean section for the mother will be a feeling of slight nagging pain in the lower abdomen. Don't be alarmed - it is associated with contraction of the uterus and healing of the scar.

Attention! If you suddenly feel a sharp pain, if bloody, purulent discharge appears from the vagina, if the temperature rises, immediately contact the antenatal clinic. It is possible that endometritis has developed - inflammation of the uterine mucosa and requires immediate treatment.

Healing of the suture on the anterior abdominal wall is usually smooth and painless. Only in very rare cases does it become inflamed and begin to fester. Then urgently see a surgeon - it is impossible for the inflammatory process to move deep into the abdomen, to the underlying tissues.

Menstruation and sex after caesarean section

- When do menstruation begin after a caesarean section and when can one begin sexual activity and have sex again?

Menstruation will come at the same time as after normal childbirth, as a rule, when breastfeeding - after the cessation of lactation. If a woman does not feed, after 2-3 months. But when the operation or postoperative period occurs with complications, menstruation does not return for a long time. Then you need to consult a gynecologist.

As for sexual activity after a cesarean section, no earlier than 6-8 weeks, provided that after the operation everything went without a hitch. If complications occur, be sure to visit a gynecologist first.

Children after caesarean section

- Is it possible to have more children after a caesarean section?

Yes, sure. But a new pregnancy should occur 2-3 years after the operation - only by this time the formation of a scar on the uterus ends. During this period, neither childbirth nor artificial termination of pregnancy is advisable. In the first case, the scar on the enlarging uterus will not be able to fully form, and complications will arise again, and during an abortion there is a danger of perforation of the uterus where the former incision “lies.”

Therefore, soon after the operation, you need to decide with the gynecologist which method of contraception is best to “adopt.”

Second birth after caesarean section. Natural birth after caesarean section

- How will the second birth proceed after a caesarean section? Is natural childbirth allowed?

A narrow pelvis, heart disease, and bronchial asthma do not disappear anywhere - therefore, the inevitability of a repeat delivery operation remains. If the first cesarean section was for emergency reasons: due to premature placental abruption, for example, and the uterine scar has healed well, natural childbirth is allowed under strict monitoring control - it is important to carefully monitor the condition of the scar.

How many times can you have a caesarean section?

- How many caesarean sections can a woman have?

And two, and three, and four. But it’s better if there are two of them - usually this is the best option. Although quite recently our mother had a fourth caesarean section.

Consequences of caesarean section for a child

- What are the consequences of a caesarean section for a child??

Let's not forget that nature provided for another way for a person to be born. Indeed, operative delivery is more gentle for the fetus - it will not “make its way” through the birth canal and, therefore, receive microtrauma, experience pain, and discomfort. However, the adaptation capabilities of such a baby to the new environment are reduced. The consequence of a caesarean section for a child can be difficulty breathing, even breathing problems.

What is better: natural childbirth or caesarean section?

- What is better for a woman to have a natural birth or a caesarean section?

I want to warn all women - expectant mothers: it is a huge mistake to believe that the operation is simple, almost harmless. Real abdominal surgery - why do you need it unless absolutely necessary?!

Yes, it has its advantages - when the life of a mother or child is in danger. But there are also disadvantages. Don't deceive nature, don't tempt fate. Your baby, born like millions of others, will not become any worse for this. Of course, you can find a doctor willing to perform the operation. By the way, he will still be sure to write down in your medical record that “there are indications.”

But I, who have seen a lot of Caesareans in my time, will never recommend it “just like that.” And I won't.

The period of preparation for the birth of a baby is psychologically difficult: pathologies of labor or the state of health of a pregnant woman can lead to the need to perform a caesarean section during childbirth. Every expectant mother should know how long such a surgical intervention lasts and how to recover after it.

Caesarean section: long-term or short-term operation?

Surgical intervention during childbirth is prescribed:

• planned (due to the presence of certain diseases in a woman or in case of malpresentation, excessive weight of the fetus);
• urgently (with weak labor, premature birth).

How long a caesarean section lasts cannot be determined to the minute - it depends on:

• the success of the operation;
• presence of complications during pregnancy;
• number of health workers involved;
• professional skills of the surgeon;
• the patient’s weight (excess weight complicates access to the fetus).

A caesarean section should be performed by an operating team consisting of the following:

• obstetrician-gynecologist;
• 2 assistants;
• anesthesiologist and his assistant;
• nurse;
• neonatologist (specialist in resuscitation of premature infants).

Caesarean section in the absence of complicating factors lasts 35-45 minutes. After 5-7 minutes, the voice of a newborn will be heard in the operating room: the child will be removed, his respiratory organs will be cleared. But the operation can be considered completed only after examining the incision cavity, suturing and processing the sutures, and applying a bandage to the woman in labor.

The time required to perform a cesarean section increases significantly if the abdominal operation is repeated. In places of tissue damage, adhesions begin; increased connective tissue can complicate access to the uterus. The more abdominal surgeries you have had to undergo, the more adhesions your doctor will need to remove before removing your baby. On average, such an operation will take 1-2 hours, and in complex cases it may exceed this time limit.

The experience of the surgeon is an important component of the speed and success of a cesarean section. Medicine is developing - mastering by a specialist new methods of conducting abdominal operations, and especially their regular use in practice, can reduce the duration of a cesarean section to 20-25 minutes. But solid work experience is not always the key to completing the intervention as soon as possible.

If the woman in labor does not have the problem of excessive weight and an abundance of adhesions, and the operation is performed by a highly qualified surgeon, more time will have to be spent on performing surgical actions in the case of a multiple pregnancy. If you are expecting twins or twins, a caesarean section will last up to 60 minutes.

During a planned intervention, you have the right to receive information from the doctor in advance about the expected duration of the operation, taking into account your medical history. But, if the decision to perform a cesarean section is made urgently, the surgeon's actions vary depending on the problems found, and the process may be prolonged.

Read also:

How long will a caesarean section with epidural anesthesia take?

Anesthesia is a necessary measure for any surgical procedure. Cesarean section is no exception. When performing a “royal incision,” the following main types of anesthesia are used:

• epidural (local anesthesia);
• general anesthesia.

With local anesthesia:

1. A painkiller is injected into the spinal cord through a thin needle.
2. As a result of the injection, the part of the body below the injection site completely loses sensitivity.

General anesthesia is administered by inhaling an analgesic through a mask.

How long does a caesarean section with epidural anesthesia last? You can expect that the operation will be completed in approximately the same period of time as under general anesthesia - it will take about half an hour. And if complications are identified that complicate the doctor’s work, it will take more than an hour.

How long do they stay in the maternity hospital after a caesarean section?

A woman in labor who has undergone a caesarean section should be under the supervision of doctors in the operating room for 1-2 days. If there are no complications, the new mother is transferred to the general ward, where she needs to spend another 3-4 days.

After discharge, the recovery period continues for about 2 months. The scar on the uterus will heal completely only after six months. It is after this period of time that the next pregnancy is allowed to occur. The doctor may prescribe additional medications to speed up the process of contraction of the operated uterus, as well as anti-inflammatory and painkillers.