The procedure might use will depend on the conditions that might arise while you are in labor. These assisted delivery procedures can include the following:
Episiotomy
An episiotomy is a surgical incision made in the perineum (the area of skin between the vagina and the anus). The incision enlarges the vaginal opening to allow the baby’s head to pass through more easily and to prevent tearing of the mother’s skin. Most women will not need one. This is reserved for special circumstances.
Amniotomy (“Breaking the Bag of Water”)
An amniotomy is the artificial rupture of the amniotic membranes, or sac, which contains the fluid surrounding the baby. The amniotomy can be done either before or during labor. An amniotomy is usually done to:
- Induce or augment labor
- Check for meconium (a greenish-brown substance, which is the baby’s first stool)
Once the procedure is completed, delivery should take place within 24 hours to prevent infection.
Induced labor
Induction of labor usually means that labor needs to be started for a number of reasons. It is most often used for pregnancies with medical problems or other complications.
Medical reasons for inducing labor might include:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Ruptured membranes
- Small baby
- Past-due pregnancy
Vacuum extraction
A vacuum extractor looks like a small suction cup that is placed on the baby’s head to help deliver the baby. A vacuum is created using a pump, and the baby is pulled down the birth canal with the instrument and with the help of the mother’s contractions. The pump can often leave a bruise on the baby’s head, which typically resolves over the first 48 hours.
Cesarean section
A cesarean section, also called a c-section, is a surgical procedure performed if a vaginal delivery is not possible. During this procedure, the baby is delivered through surgical incisions made in the abdomen and the uterus.
When would I need a cesarean section?
A cesarean delivery might be planned advance if a medical reason calls for it, or it might be unplanned and take place during your labor if certain problems arise.
You might need to have a planned cesarean delivery if any of the following conditions exist:
- Cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD)---is a term that means that the baby’s head or body is too large to pass safely through the mother’s pelvis, or the mother’s pelvis is too small to deliver a normal-sized baby.
- Previous cesarean birth---Although it is possible to have a vaginal birth after a previous cesarean, it is not an option for all women. Factors that can affect whether a cesarean is needed include the type of uterine incision used in the previous cesarean and the risk of rupturing the uterus with a vaginal birth.
- Multiple pregnancy---Although twins can often be delivered vaginally, two or more babies might require a cesarean delivery.
- Placenta previa---In this condition, the placenta is attached too low in the uterine wall and blocks the baby’s exit through the cervix.
- Transverse lie---The baby is in a horizontal, or sideways, position in the uterus. If your doctor determines that the baby cannot be turned through abdominal manipulation, you will need to have a cesarean delivery.
- Breech presentation---In a breech presentation, or breech birth, the baby is positioned to deliver feet or bottom first. If your doctor determines that the baby cannot be turned through abdominal manipulation, you will need to have a cesarean delivery.
An unplanned cesarean delivery might be needed if any of the following conditions arise during your labor:
- Failure of labor to progress---In this condition, the cervix begins to dilate and stops before the woman is fully dilated, or the baby stops moving down the birth canal.
- Cord compression---The umbilical cord is looped around the baby’s neck or body, or caught between the baby’s head and the mother’s pelvis, compressing the cord.
- Prolapsed cord---The umbilical cord comes out of the cervix before the baby does.
- Abruptio placentae---In rare occurrence the placenta separates from the wall of the uterus before the baby is born and others.
During labor, the baby might begin to develop heart rate patterns that could present a problem. Might be decided that the baby can no longer tolerate labor and that a cesarean delivery is necessary.
What can I expect before the cesarean?
If the cesarean delivery is not an emergency, the following procedures will take place.
- You will be asked if you consent to the procedure, and in some hospitals, you might be asked to sign a consent form.
- The anesthesiologist will discuss the type of anesthesia to be used.
- You will have a heart, pulse, and blood pressure monitor applied.
- Hair clipping will be done around the incision area.
- A catheter will be inserted to keep your bladder empty.
- Medicine will be put directly into your vein.
What is the procedure for a cesarean?
At the start of the procedure, the anesthesia will be administered. Your abdomen will then be cleaned with an antiseptic, and you might have an oxygen mask placed over your mouth and nose to increase oxygen to the baby.
The doctor will then make an incision through your skin and into the wall of the abdomen. The doctor might use either a vertical or horizontal incision. (A horizontal incision is also called a bikini incision, because it is placed beneath the belly button.) Next, a 3- to 4-inch incision is then made in the wall of the uterus, and the doctor removes the baby through the incisions. The umbilical cord is then cut, the placenta is removed, and the incisions are closed.
How long does the procedure take?
From beginning to end, a cesarean takes anywhere from 1 to 2 hours.
What happens after the delivery?
Because the cesarean is major surgery, it will take you longer to recover from this type of delivery than it would from a vaginal delivery. Depending on your condition, you will probably stay in the hospital about 2 days.
Once the anesthesia wears off, you will begin to feel the pain from the incisions, so be sure to ask for pain medicine. You might also experience gas pains and have trouble taking deep breaths. You will also have a vaginal discharge after the surgery due to the shedding of the uterine wall. The discharge will be red at first and then gradually change to yellow. Be sure to call your healthcare provider if you experience heavy bleeding or a foul odor from the vaginal discharge.
