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What is a C section, why’s it called a Caesarean and do you scar after the procedure?

Doctors recommend the surgery if a vaginal birth is too risky

A CAESAREAN section is an operation that allows babies to be delivered through a cut made in the belly and womb.

The procedure is often carried out if a vaginal birth is deemed too risky.

 Some women decide to have the surgery for non-medical reasons, even though it is often recommended by doctors
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Some women decide to have the surgery for non-medical reasons, even though it is often recommended by doctorsCredit: Getty Images

But what is a C-section and are there any risks?

What is a Caesarean section?

Around one in five babies born in Britain are delivered by a C-section.

To carry out the operation, a cut is made across the tummy, allowing surgeons access to the womb.

Caesareans can be life-threatening, so doctors will only recommend it if it’s the safest option for pregnant women and their babies.

Why is it called a Caesarean?

The name is thought to be linked with Julius Caesar, but he is believed to have been born naturally.

His mother, Aurelia, is reported to have been alive for most of his life, which means it’s unlikely she underwent a caesarean.

The word is most likely derived from the Latin word to cut, which is caesus, the past participle of caedere.

And the word lent its name to a law, the Lex Caesaria, which ruled that if a pregnant woman died the unborn baby should be cut from her.

Established around 715-673 BC, it was in force hundreds of years before Julius Caesar was born.

Why are Caesareans carried out and how many ops are safe?

 High blood pressure and vaginal bleeding are among the reasons why a Caesarean is prescribed
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High blood pressure and vaginal bleeding are among the reasons why a Caesarean is prescribedCredit: Getty Images

The NHS says a c-section is “generally a very safe procedure”.

While some women choose to have a Caesarean for non-medical reasons, the delivery method is often recommended by doctors.

reveals the reasons why doctors may prescribe a C-section…

  • your baby is in the breech position (feet first) and your doctor has been unable to turn them by applying gentle pressure to your tummy, or you would prefer they didn't try this
  • you have a low-lying placenta (placenta praevia)
  • you have pregnancy-related high blood pressure (pre-eclampsia)
  • you have certain infections, such as a first genital herpes infection occurring late in pregnancy or untreated HIV
  • your baby isn't getting enough oxygen and nutrients – sometimes this may mean the baby needs to be delivered immediately
  • your labour isn't progressing or there's excessive vaginal bleeding

What happens during a C-section operation and is there a scar?

 The surgery often leaves behind a 10-20cm scar on the body, which fades with time
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The surgery often leaves behind a 10-20cm scar on the body, which fades with timeCredit: Getty Images

An epidural anaesthetic is given to pregnant patients to help numb the pain, although they may be able to feel some tugging during the procedure.

Although the women are awake, a screen is placed across their body so they don’t have to watch the surgery.

Doctors cut around 10-20cm along the lower belly and womb, allowing an opening for the baby to be delivered.

Following the 40-50 minute operation, parents are able to hold their baby as soon as they’re delivered.

Mums are often required to remain at the hospital for three to four days to help them recover from the surgery.

A line-shaped scar will be left behind after the procedure and patients are advised to avoid strenuous activity for six weeks or so.

Contrary to popular belief, if you have a Caesarean, it doesn’t mean that babies you have in the future will have to be delivered in the same way.

What are the risks of a Caesarean?

Even though C-sections are typically safe procedures, all surgery carries a certain risk.

The NHS outlines possible complications…

  • infection of the wound or womb lining
  • blood clots
  • excessive bleeding
  • damage to nearby areas, such as the bladder or the tubes that connect the kidneys and bladder (ureter)
  • temporary breathing difficulties in your baby
  • accidentally cutting your baby when your womb is opened

Which celebrities have had Caesareans?

Last year, Peter Andre’s wife Emily MacDonagh revealed that she felt “robbed” of a natural birth when she was rushed to hospital for an emergency C-section.

Similarly, Tracy Beaker star Dani Harmer admitted to feeling “devastated” when she had to undergo a similar procedure.

Paloma Faith also revealed that she experienced a very “difficult labour” even though she was “delighted” to welcome her first child to the world.

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