Is it necessary to press the belly during a caesarean section? Why is it necessary to press the belly during a caesarean section?

We all know that cesarean section is a common way of delivery. Many mothers choose cesarean section when giving birth. After cesarean section, mothers are weak and need to be well cared for. After cesarean section, the abdomen is usually pressed. So why do you need to press the abdomen during cesarean section? Let's take a closer look!

Why do you press the belly during a caesarean section?

Can promote the discharge of lochia

As we all know, no matter it is a natural birth or a caesarean section, there will always be some amniotic fluid, tissue fluid, baby's excrement and other liquids remaining in the mother's body. These fluids are generally called lochia.

Lochia is a waste product in the body and needs to be discharged in time, otherwise it will produce a large number of bacteria in the mother's uterus, affecting the recovery of the uterus. In addition, if lochia accumulates in the uterus, it is also easy to cause postpartum hemorrhage and endanger the lives of mothers.

Pressing the abdomen can stimulate the uterus to actively expel lochia, blood stasis and other fluids from the body in a timely manner.

Can help mothers' internal organs return to their original position

In the late stages of pregnancy, the uterus of mothers is getting bigger and bigger, which compresses various internal organs and causes them to shift to varying degrees. Therefore, mothers will have problems such as poor appetite, discomfort, and light sleep in the later stages. After a caesarean section, the nurse or doctor's belly pressure is actually pressing the mother's uterine fundus, which can help the internal organs return to their original position better.

In fact, not only mothers who have had a caesarean section need to press their belly, but even mothers who have had a normal vaginal birth also need to press their belly. This is very helpful for the mother's subsequent recovery.

The role of abdominal pressure after cesarean section

1. When pregnant, due to limited space in the uterus, in order to ensure the normal growth of the fetus, the internal organs will be squeezed upward to provide more space for the fetus. Therefore, after a caesarean section, considering that the pregnant woman's body is weak, in order for the mother to recover faster, external force is needed to promote the return of the internal organs as soon as possible.

2. Cesarean section is different from natural birth. Lochia cannot flow out automatically with the birth of the fetus. Lochia is a general term for blood, secretions and mucus accumulated in the pelvic cavity. If it is not cleaned up in time, it will cause inflammation or even diseases such as heavy bleeding. It must be pressed by external force to directly touch the bottom of the pelvic cavity to help expel it.

3. Because cesarean section involves opening the pelvic cavity through surgery, it will affect the environment in the uterus and cause the uterus to contract weakly. Pressing can stimulate uterine contraction and help the body recover.

Precautions for pressing the belly during cesarean section

1. Keep a calm mind and accept it. Many expectant mothers feel pain in their abdominal incisions because the effects of the anesthetics gradually wear off. They don’t understand why the nurses press their stomachs. Some are afraid and refuse to have their stomachs pressed. Some lose their temper and beat or scold the medical staff. This is wrong. You must relax and actively cooperate, which will also reduce your discomfort.

2. Avoid shouting and resting in bed for 1-2 hours after pressing the belly. Exhaustion is very important for mothers who have just given birth, and shouting will easily inhale cold air, which is not conducive to exhaust. After pressing, you can rest appropriately, and if your body allows, get out of bed and walk around to promote the discharge of lochia.