Cesarean Birth

Sometimes it may not be possible to have a vaginal birth.

What is a Cesarean Birth?

Sometimes it may not be possible to have a vaginal birth, and some babies will need to be delivered using an incision on the abdomen. This is called a Cesarean Birth. Given the risks associated with surgery, a cesarean birth is not recommended without a medical reason. Each mother’s situation is different and your care team will help guide you as to which type of birth is the right one for you.

I am having a scheduled cesarean birth. How do I prepare for this?

There are 4 main steps to perform to prepare for your cesarean birth:

  1. Blood work will need to be done 2-3 days before your cesarean birth at the lab. Your clinician will give specific instructions on when the recommended date is for you and will place the orders for you.
  2. Skin preparation/cleansing the night before your birth. The cloths needed for this will be given to you at your pre-operative visit. Please read these instructions carefully on how to perform this correctly.
  3. Fasting instructions: please read these instructions carefully to guide you on how best to safely prepare for your surgery and how to improve your recovery afterwards.

You are encouraged to attend the Preparation for Cesarean Birth class where you will learn specifics about preparation at home & hospital, surgery, recovery, family centered options, pain management, postpartum care, and positive imagery to promote a rewarding family centered experience. There is no fee for this class. To register, call the appointment center at 888-988-2800.

What should I be careful about after my cesarean birth?

After your cesarean birth, it is normal to take on average 6 weeks to recover. During this time, please note the following for those 6 weeks (unless your clinician tells you otherwise):

  • avoid lifting anything heavier than 10-15 pounds
  • don’t place anything in the vagina (e.g. no tampons, sex)
  • don’t drive while you are taking any narcotic pain medication
  • look at your incision once a day to make sure there are no signs of infection, such as redness, pus, or a bad odor
  • showers only and do not use soap over the incision

Over the course of the 6 weeks, you should feel that your incision will become less painful and eventually be pain-free.

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