C-section (Cesarean birth)

Childbirth by caesarean section is either planned ahead - this is in cases in which there are obstacles on the side of the mother or the baby that prevent natural childbirth.

Obstacles on the mother's side:

• Narrow pelvis (Cephalopelvic disproportion - CPD) -  baby’s head or body is too large to pass through the pelvis
• Condition after uterine surgery and after caesarean sections
• Heart disease and heart failure
• Lung disease and severe asthma
• Other diseases (musculoskeletal, epilepsy, autoimmune diseases, etc.)

Obstacles on the child's side:

• Excessive expected birth weight (4000 g)
• Twins and multiple pregnancy
• Inappropriate position of the baby to the pelvic floor (transverse lie or breech presentation)
• Placenta facing the pelvic floor (placenta previa)
• Placental abruption
• Umbilical cord prolapse, compression or wrapping around the baby
• Slowing of the child's heart rate due to lack of oxygen

Caesarean section as an acute operation (emergency) is performed when the health and life of the mother or baby is at risk - it is therefore an operation indicated for complications that occur during natural childbirth.

A short-term general, spinal or epidural anesthesia is required for a caesarean section. The operation consists of a surgical incision in the lower abdomen and the opening of the uterus to expose the baby. The performance lasts around 20 - 30 minutes.

After childbirth, the uterus and the wound in the abdominal wall are sutured. Healing takes about 2 weeks. The scar is firm enough after 6 - 12 months.

Natural (vaginal) birth is also possible after caesarean section in about 60% of cases. However, the information about the caesarean section should always be reported to the doctor.