Cesarean Birth (C-Section)
At Ohio State, our Ob/Gyns are experts at performing cesarean deliveries when a vaginal birth is unsafe or not the preferred method of delivery.
A cesarean birth (C-section) is a possibility in any pregnancy, especially if certain factors like the baby’s position or your medical history make it a safer birth option. At The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio, our pregnancy experts will discuss with you when a C-section might be needed and walk you through what will happen during the procedure.
Our new Maternity Center at University Hospital is home to four state-of-the-art operating rooms, allowing us to provide the safest and most advanced surgical care should your labor and delivery require it. Whether your procedure is scheduled ahead of time or done in an emergency, all obstetric physicians here are expertly trained to perform a C-section when that’s the best choice for you and your baby.
What is a cesarean section?
A cesarean section, also called a C-section or cesarean birth, is the surgical delivery of a baby through an incision in the abdomen. While some women elect to have a C-section without a medical reason, the procedure does have more risks than a vaginal birth.
Typically, if you give birth by cesarean section, it’s because of a medical necessity, such as fetal distress, your health is at risk or your labor isn’t progressing. Sometimes people who have a C-section for their previous pregnancy will elect to have one for subsequent pregnancies, because it’s the safest childbirth method for them.
When is a C-section planned vs. unplanned?
A C-section is either scheduled in advance or is a necessary procedure when vaginal delivery becomes less safe or not possible.
If a C-section becomes necessary during labor, our team-birth approach emphasizes safety, clear communication and shared decision-making, so you remain informed about why a C-section is recommended and what to expect at every step.
Why is a C-section done?
There are many reasons related to the baby, mother or both that may lead us to consider a cesarean delivery. The following are some factors that might contribute to your need for a scheduled or emergency C-section:
- Failure to progress in labor
- The baby’s heart or breathing isn’t tolerating labor
- A prolapsed umbilical cord (a rare occurrence where part of the cord slips out before the baby)
- The baby’s size
- Twins or multiples
- Breech or transverse position for the baby in the uterus
- Placenta previa, where the placenta covers the cervix partially or completely
- History of C-sections, especially with a prior classical incision
- Maternal conditions, like preeclampsia or gestational diabetes
How to prepare for a C-section
Whether it's a scheduled surgery or a last-minute decision, a typical C-section is straightforward and follows a tightly scripted plan. For a planned C-section, you’ll have a chance to review the procedure and go over any questions with your provider. You’ll pick an appropriate date together and you will stop eating and drinking eight hours before the procedure.
What to expect during a C-section
Delivering a baby brings a mix of excitement and fear, especially if the birth involves major surgery. Knowing what to expect during a C-section can help you feel more prepared. Throughout the procedure, your birthing partner can stay with you, wearing sterile scrubs and equipment.
Most C-sections will follow these steps:
- If not done already, nurses will start an IV on you and also draw blood.
- An anesthesiologist will ensure you’re numb from your ribs down, using either an epidural or a spinal block, which are both injections in your spine to deliver anesthesia.
- The operating team will prep your abdomen for surgery and insert a catheter into your bladder once you’re numb. We also do a vaginal prep to help decrease the risk of infection.
- You have the option of having a short screen blocking your vision during surgery or choosing a transparent drape so that you can see your baby. After your baby is born and then once we continue to operate, the drape comes up again so you do not see the surgery.
- You won’t feel pain during the surgery, but you may feel a lot of pressure at the time of the delivery, when the surgeon pushes hard on your stomach.
- You’ll get to see your baby immediately. After the baby receives a quick exam, your birth partner can hold them while the surgeon stitches you up. Whenever possible, we encourage you to spend time skin-to-skin with your baby shortly after surgery.
How long is a cesarean section?
The entire procedure lasts less than an hour, with your baby born in the first 10 to 15 minutes.
Can a new device calm worries about opioids after C-section?
A recent study by Ohio State experts looked into a drug-free and noninvasive alternative to managing patients’ pain after C-section. The research team studied the use of a device that emits electrical pulses when held near the C-section incision site.
C-section recovery
Recovering from a cesarean delivery takes longer than a vaginal birth. You’ll likely be able to eat the same day as your surgery, as long as you’re not nauseous or have other medical issues. You’ll need a lot of rest and pain medication for the first few days. You can expect to need to wear pads for heavy bleeding for a few days.
In the hospital
A postpartum hospital stay after a C-section is typically two to four days, depending on your insurance. You'll be in less pain and likely require less medicine on the second day. A nurse will remove the catheter about 12 hours after surgery, and you'll be asked to walk to the bathroom. This will feel difficult, but it’s important to prevent infection. Getting out of bed and moving shortly after surgery helps speed up your recovery.
Many people feel pain near the incision for the first few days. Our postpartum experts provide medication and alternative pain management techniques to help control pain and reduce inflammation.
Recovery at home
Your provider will give you a pain prescription and recommendations for ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
It takes four to six weeks for your incision site to completely heal and before you feel physically back to normal. Your scar will gradually fade and become less puffy, but it will remain visible.
Here are some tips as you heal:
- Wear compression pants to help stabilize the area.
- Change your bandage once a day.
- Clean around the incision area by washing with soap and letting warm shower water run over your belly, but don’t scrub the actual incision.
- Don’t lift more than 10-15 pounds (around the weight of your newborn) for the first four to six weeks.
- Rest as much as possible, which we know is tough with a newborn at home. Accepting help from others will allow you to focus on healing.
What are the risks of a C-section?
A C-section is a safe, standard procedure. Still, it carries risks like any major surgery, including:
- Bleeding or infection at the incision site
- Blood clots
- A rare reaction to anesthesia
- Rare injury to nearby organs
- Longer recovery compared to vaginal birth
Call your provider if you experience any unusual redness or pus at the incision site, or if you have a fever.
How hard is it to breastfeed after a C-section?
Abdominal surgery makes breastfeeding more difficult in the first few days, but it shouldn’t prevent it. Our certified lactation specialists, who can be seen during your stay or by appointment after you go home, can offer advice on best breastfeeding positions and help you navigate breastfeeding following a cesarean birth.
Why choose Ohio State for your C-section delivery?
A C-section is a major surgery for you and your family, but as the only Level IV Maternity Center in central Ohio, it’s a routine part of our everyday care. Experts in the Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine here treat more high-risk pregnancies than any other hospital in Columbus and are nationally renowned for delivering the best possible outcomes.
Collaboration
Whether you have a planned C-section or an emergency one, our team of high-risk obstetricians, midwives, generalists, anesthesiologists and nursing staff all collaborate to give you the best possible prenatal, delivery and postpartum experience. We also work closely with our partners at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, who operate our Level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
New tower
The Maternity Center on the top floors of our stunning new tower features private rooms, floor-to-ceiling windows and views all across campus, creating a healing environment. Our large, state-of-the-art operating rooms, staffed 24/7 by doctors with dual training in obstetrics and critical care, make having a C-section at Ohio State as comfortable and safe as possible.
Caring for your newborn
Following your delivery, our unit is designed to keep you and your baby together as much as possible, even if one of you needs more complex care.