When Virginia was born and bred, my first child was the sole survivor of a high-risk pregnancy. My son Alexander was so small and fragile that I worried he’d wind up being a high-needs baby. It was the most intense form of love I’d experienced, but also the most overwhelming. From the moment he was born, I missed my other two children, who were still in the hospital. I knew that my husband, Stephen, and I also had no choice but to be parents. But I was still surprised by how hard it was to feel like myself again. It felt like a loss, too.
This time around with my second child, Mason, I was more prepared for the onslaught of emotions that came with parenthood again. Instead of dwelling on what had changed, I was grateful for what little I’d gained from the first go-around. A C-section means I’m never far from the hospital. So when recovery from the second C-section became a blessing, I realized it was in fact a gift.
Reduce the risk of uterine ruptureUterine rupture occurs in 1% - 2.5% of all labourers, but the risk is even higher in women who have a previous Caesarean section. Uterine rupture is a dangerous complication in which the uterus breaks open, often near the abdominal wall. If the rupture isn’t caught and properly treated, the abdominal wound may not heal properly, leaving you at risk for organ rupture.
The good news is that uterine rupture is rare thanks to advances in childbirth. While it used to be a common occurrence, doctors and midwives now recognize the signs and treat it as a medical emergency. If your doctor has to perform a hysterectomy on you, it’s likely because you ruptured your uterus. Fortunately, this is a complication that can be prevented through proper care and attention during labour and delivery.
Your obstetrician or doctor can examine you for signs of a ruptured uterus and take x-rays to ensure there is no rupture. Once they’re satisfied that your uterus is intact, they can relax a little and focus on more urgent problems.
To reduce your risk of uterine rupture, your Caesarean delivery shouldn’t be your first delivery if you’re not already pregnant. Ideally, you should have at least one other vaginal delivery under your belt first. If you have a history of Caesarean sections, your doctor may recommend that you wait longer than women who haven’t had one before.
Reduce the risk of infection One of the most common concerns when pregnant is infection. A bacterial infection in your uterus can cause a miscarriage or stillbirth, but your risk of getting an infection is low thanks to antibiotics.
Your risk of an infection during pregnancy is low even when you have a C-section. This is because, during a C-section, the doctor or nurse who delivers you is not exposed to the bacteria that normally live in your vagina. In fact, most health care institutions will not allow doctors or nurses who haven’t been exposed to those bacteria to deliver them.
This is good news because it means you don’t have to worry about a C-section delivery putting your baby or you at risk for a bacterial infection. Plus, healthcare providers are required by law to report any signs of infection, which can help your doctor identify any issues before they become a problem.
If you have a C-section and develop an infection, it’s likely because something wasn’t done correctly during surgery. Talk to your doctor or nurse as soon as you realize something isn’t right and you’ll likely get taken care of quickly.
Have a low risk of placenta previa
Placenta previa is when the placenta implants low in the abdomen, bordering the pelvic opening instead of the pelvic opening itself. This is the most common complication of all, affecting about 15% of all pregnancies. It’s also the most easily correctable, as the doctor can simply remove the placenta by using a gentle curve or scissors to cut it away from the opening.
If you have a C-section and develop a low risk of placenta previa, it’s likely because your doctor removed the placenta. If the placenta didn’t separate completely from the uterine wall, it may continue to grow within your uterus and cause a bleed. This is a rare occurrence, but it’s also the easiest problem to solve.
Your risk of developing a low risk of placenta previa is even lower if you’ve never given birth before. If you or your partner has a family history of placenta previa, your doctor may recommend that you wait longer before trying for a child of your own.
Have a low risk of umbilical cord prolapse
Umbilical cord prolapse occurs when the umbilical cord extends from the fetus or baby outside the womb, through the vagina and into the abdomen. While it’s a serious problem, it’s also a rare one and happens in about 2% of all deliveries.
If you have a C-section and develop a low risk of umbilical cord prolapse, it’s likely because your doctor observed that your uterus was intact and is ready to deliver your baby. In most cases, they will quickly retract the cord to prevent this from happening. If they don’t, you may notice a small bulge in your abdomen a few days after your delivery. This is normal, and you can treat it like a gynecological exam, getting it checked out if you notice anything unusual.
Your risk of developing a low risk of umbilical cord prolapse is even lower if you or your partner is in excellent health, has had a c-section before or has a family history of this type of complication.
Get breastfeeding off to a good start
Breastfeeding is known to strengthen the bond between a mother and her child, and it’s good for the baby too. It has been proven that babies exposed to formula in the womb are more likely to be fussy, have a poor appetite and be underweight when they are born.
If you’ve never breastfed before, you’ll want to make sure you have all the supplies on hand before you have a C-section. You can buy all the equipment you’ll need, including a breast pump, at most pharmacies or baby stores.
For breastfeeding to succeed, you’ll need to make sure you and your partner have a quiet place where you can be undisturbed for a while. You may also want to bring along a soft toy or two to distract your baby. Don’t be afraid to express some milk before you give your baby a feeding. This will help your baby get used to the idea
Enjoy a smooth pregnancy and delivery
One of the most surprising advantages of having a C-section is how easy it is to get pregnant again. If you choose to have a C-section and your delivery was complicated, you may be wondering when you can try for a baby. First, you need to make sure the cramps in your stomach and the incision site are both healed. Once they are, you can get pregnant as soon as you’re able.
The same thing applies if you had a complicated Caesarean section delivery and wound up in the hospital for a longer period of time. While you’re in recovery, your doctor or nurse will likely ask you questions about your pregnancy, so you shouldn’t be shy. They want to make sure you and your baby are healthy, and they may even have some questions of their own.
Once you’re home, you can relax and enjoy your pregnancy. The nurses and doctors who cared for you will likely ask you to sign a form saying you received their care, but that shouldn’t stop you from staying in touch with them. You may even want to ask them to visit or send you a gift, just as you would anyone else in your family.
When you have a C-section and enjoy a smooth pregnancy and delivery, you’ll discover the joy of having your baby without any of the typical pangs of regret you might experience from time to time. You’ve already made the decision to have a C-section, so there’s no sense wasting any more time worrying about what could have been. You can smile every time you think of the delivery you went through and how lucky you are to have your baby in your arms. Also, keep in touch with Belly Bandit regarding pregnancy and postpartum shapewear.