WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What do I need to know about a C-section? A C-section, or cesarean section, is abdominal surgery to deliver your baby. How do I prepare for a C-section? Your healthcare provider will talk to you about how to prepare for surgery. He may tell you not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of your surgery. He will tell you what medicines to take or not take on the day of your surgery. You may be given an antibiotic through your IV to help prevent a bacterial infection. What will happen during a C-section? You will usually be given spinal anesthesia to numb you from the surgery area down. You may still feel pressure or pushing during the C-section, but you should not feel any pain. Your healthcare provider will usually make an incision across your lower abdomen. He will gently pull your baby out. Your incision will be closed with stitches or staples and covered with a bandage. What will happen after a C-section? You will be taken to a room to rest for about an hour after you deliver. You will have a Foley catheter to drain your urine and an IV. Do not get out of bed until your healthcare provider says it is okay. What are the risks of a C-section? You may bleed more than expected or develop an infection. Your bladder or intestines may be injured during the procedure. You may get a blood clot in your leg. This may become life-threatening. |