Correctly understand cesarean section and postoperative care

Most women are familiar with caesarean sections, and some even feel fear when they hear the word "caesarean section". It is unrealistic to say that caesarean sections are not scary at all. Especially during caesarean sections, the risks that may occur are still very scary and dangerous. Therefore, doctors generally recommend natural childbirth unless there are special circumstances that require a caesarean section.

1. Under what circumstances is a caesarean section necessary?

Caesarean section is actually a special mode of delivery. Because under normal circumstances, a woman can deliver the baby smoothly by vaginal delivery. There are several situations where a caesarean section is required:

1. Abnormal fetal position. What is the probability of cesarean section with abnormal fetal position? The probability of cesarean section for expectant mothers with abnormal fetal position is as high as 99%. Regardless of whether the fetus is in a horizontal position or a sitting position in the mother's belly, a cesarean section must be scheduled.

2. Multiple births. Most expectant mothers with twins or more have problems with malposition of the fetus and usually need a caesarean section.

3. Delayed labor. If the natural delivery process is not smooth, such as the cervix does not progress or the fetal head cannot descend, after the medically approved cesarean section time point, it will be changed to a cesarean section.

4. Placenta previa. If a pregnant woman has placenta previa, when the cervix opens, the placenta will cause heavy bleeding, and the lives of the mother and baby will be in danger.

5. Heavy bleeding during labor. There are many reasons for sudden bleeding during delivery, such as placental separation, unstable vital signs, or the baby's heartbeat drops for some reason. At this time, the mother's condition is unsafe and will be converted to an emergency cesarean section.

6. Sudden high fever during delivery.

Medication is needed during the high fever. If the fever lasts for a long time, there is a possibility of meningitis or pneumonia infection. It is necessary to observe for a period of time. If the delivery process does not progress, a caesarean section is required.

7. Specify an auspicious day. One of the reasons many expectant mothers choose cesarean section is to specify an auspicious day for delivery. This is generally not recommended.

8. The mother cannot bear the pain of natural childbirth. In theory, the pain of natural childbirth will be higher, but the recovery will be faster, while the opposite is true for caesarean section.

2. Postoperative care after cesarean section

Cesarean section is also a major operation. Although the technology is very advanced, you must also pay attention to postoperative care to reduce the complications of cesarean section.

1. Pay attention to body temperature: After cesarean section, you should first pay attention to your body temperature;

2. Pay attention to activities: Pay attention to proper activities after cesarean section to prevent intestinal adhesion and thrombosis. It is generally recommended to properly move the legs 6 hours after cesarean section, and start trying to turn over about 12 hours after the operation, even if the wound is a little painful, do exercises in bed, and turn over left and right. Generally, within 24 hours after the operation, you should try your best to get out of bed. This is to help exhaust gas as soon as possible, restore intestinal function, reduce the chance of intestinal adhesion and intestinal obstruction, and reduce the chance of very dangerous complications such as deep vein thrombosis in the lower limbs after delivery. These are the issues that need to be paid attention to in terms of activities and exercises after cesarean section;

3. Pay attention to the gas: After the cesarean section, you should pay special attention to yourself and when you can pass gas, which is commonly known as farting. If it happens, you can tell the medical staff at any time. Because cesarean section is an abdominal surgery, being able to pass gas smoothly after the operation means that the possibility of complications such as postoperative intestinal adhesion and intestinal obstruction has been ruled out. Before passing gas, the mother can drink water, rice soup, etc., and do not eat particularly coarse and hard food that is difficult to digest for the time being. This is a question about the recovery of intestinal function;

4. Pay attention to wound care: After cesarean section, you must also pay attention to wound care. The doctor will change the wound dressing regularly. When you are discharged from the hospital and go home, do not cover the dressing for a long time, as this will easily make the wound airtight and affect the healing of the wound. After going home, you can wipe the wound with medical alcohol for disinfection every 2-3 days. In addition, you must pay attention to the hygiene of the vulva. When there is bloody lochia or after each bowel movement, you must clean the vulva in time.

Objectively speaking, cesarean section has a relatively high controllability over the fetus, and it is indeed a relatively safe operation, so expectant mothers do not have to worry that the operation will bring danger to themselves and their children. As long as there are no problems in all aspects of our routine prenatal checkups and no underlying diseases, it is generally safe.

Expectant mothers need to observe their own and the fetus' health during pregnancy. As long as there are no special circumstances, mothers can choose natural birth first. After all, natural birth is an economical and safe way of delivery. If there are special requirements, mothers can also choose cesarean section. No matter which one, mothers do not need to worry too much. They can communicate with the doctor about the method when the delivery is approaching.

Author: Dazhou City Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine