How to Prepare For C-Section Delivery

Typically, pregnant ladies are advised to have a vaginal birth. But, sometimes we may encounter problems that do not give us that option, or sometimes we just see a Caesarean section, or C-section, as a better choice for us. If you’re planning on having a C-section, there are plenty of things to take note of and prepare before the date comes. Although recovery from a C-section is generally slower than the natural way, the bright side to knowing how you’re going to give birth, now that you’ve decided on this route, is that preparations can be made in advance.

What is a C-section delivery? What are the risks?

A Caesarean section is a surgical procedure where a baby is born through incisions made in the abdominal wall and uterus. It is a fairly common procedure, but it does come with its risks, including:-

i. Infection – There is a risk of developing an infection on the uterus or wound infection.

ii. Postpartum haemorrhage – Possible heavy bleeding during and after delivery.

iii. Damage to internal organs – This risk arises because a cut is made very close to organs. And if there is damage, additional surgery may be required.

iv. Increased risks/complications during future pregnancies – The more C-sections a woman goes through, the higher the risk of her facing issues with her placenta, namely:-

  1. Placenta previa, where the placenta attaches to the lower part of the uterus and partially covers the cervix, sometimes completely. This puts the baby at risk of premature birth and the complications that come with it, including breathing problems, low weight, and cerebral palsy.
  2. Placenta accreta, which is when the placenta attaches too deeply to the uterine wall, making delivery more difficult and potentially causing vaginal bleeding, kidney failure, and lung failure.

As scary as all that sounds, medical technology and technique have come a long way. Doctors and nurses are well-equipped with knowledge and skills, and are able to manage whatever complications that may arise.

Considerations before undergoing a C-section

If a C-section is an option you’re thinking of going through instead of vaginal birth, it would be best to think your decision through and talk with your doctor to understand your situation and your best option. Among considerations to think or discuss are:-

i. Any existing health problems you may have,

ii. Any potential medical conditions that may arise from a C-section,

iii. Whether you bruise and bleed easily,

iv. Any allergies you might have,

v. Any medication you are currently taking, and

vi. Any possible complications that could happen from a C-section.

Preparing for a C-section

How to Prepare For C-Section Delivery (2) - PEM

It’s about a day or two before you’re due for surgery. What do you need to know or prepare beforehand? Aside from consulting your doctor for more personalised advice, here are some things to consider.

i. Fast at least 6 hours before surgery. No solids or liquids. This is to prevent potential lung complications and vomiting. However, your doctor knows best, so you might be allowed some liquid or food should your doctor deem it alright after monitoring your condition.

ii. Blood tests would be necessary for the team behind your delivery to know information like your blood type and level of haemoglobin in your blood. This is for them to be prepared in the event a blood transfusion may be needed.

iii. Don’t shave your pubic area or stomach. Shaving can cause nicks in the skin and those tiny cuts could lead to an infection during delivery. If it is needed, your nurse will handle it for you.

iv. Shower with antiseptic soap. Depending on your doctor or nurse, it may be advised to be done the night before and the morning of delivery.

v. Depending on your susceptibility to getting blood clots, you may need to wear compression stockings.

Post Delivery

Do not think that C-sections end once the baby is born. You need to be prepared for what comes after too. 

For starters, once your incision has been sewn shut, you will be cared for in the recovery room. If you had general anesthesia, you would still be unconscious when you’re wheeled into the ward. But, once you wake up, you should be able to see your baby and you will be prompted to start breastfeeding. The earlier you do, the easier it will be for both mother and child. 

Should you feel pain, you can inform the doctor who might prescribe some painkillers, which may make you drowsy. And if you feel nauseated, refrain from drinking or eating until you feel better as it will make the nausea worse. When you’re feeling strong enough, walking will be your next step. This simple activity can help to alleviate swelling in the legs and stop blood clots from forming. That said, everyone’s situation is different, so be sure to get your doctor’s advice if you’re having any doubts about your wellbeing and recovery after the C-section.

Finally, after your dressing is removed, remember to keep your wound clean and dry to prevent any infections as a clean wound heals faster.

Now that you and your baby are prepared to leave the hospital, the next place you might be heading to could be a confinement centre Singapore. If you prefer doing your confinement at home instead of at a confinement centre Singapore, PEM nanny service Singapore offers professional nannies who will take care of you and your baby’s needs.

Not only that, you can even get a post natal massage in Singapore as an add-on to your PEM confinement nanny service, and you do not need to wait until after you’ve completed your confinement. This would be helpful to reduce post-surgery swellings, relieve water retention, speed up womb recovery, promote better sleep, even improve lactation – a beneficial activity for both mummy and baby. 

However, with C-section delivery, it is not advisable to get a massage immediately. Mothers who had vaginal births may start their postnatal massage as early as 5 to 7 days after childbirth, whereas it is recommended for mothers who had C-sections to wait for at least 21 days before embarking on their postnatal massage journey. But, it is never too early to make your booking. So what are you waiting for? Grab your slot right now!

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  • PEM Confinement Nanny Agency

    We are a group of frontliners and support team members who are passionate about sharing our knowledge and experience in confinement care. Representing the largest confinement nanny agency in Singapore which has served over 250,000 mothers in over 30 years, we are all about sharing useful and insightful information based on our experience to help new parents navigate this exciting chapter of their life better.